Opening day of commercial crabbing season

October 2, 2021 | Archive

For many, October conjures images of pumpkins, colorful leaves, and cozy fireplaces. Here at the Port of Anacortes, October heralds the start of the 2021 commercial crabbing season!

T Dock, the Port’s commercial dock on the south side of Cap Sante Marina, has been buzzing with activity these last few weeks as tribal and commercial crabbers readied their vessels and gear for the season. Stacks of crab pots, coils of rope, and other gear are pulled from nearby storage facilities in preparation for the 2021 harvest.

More than 70 tribal and commercial vessels call the Port’s marina home and even more use T Dock during crabbing and fishing seasons throughout the year. Not only do they use the dock for vessel preparation and loading gear, T Dock is also an important location for buyers who come to purchase fresh Washington state seafood for personal and commercial use.

“The Port recognizes the importance of this asset to our local tribal and commercial fishing fleets and our community,” said Port Commissioner Joe Verdoes. “We don’t charge these vessels to use T Dock, and we continue investing in these assets. In 2022 the Port plans to invest $250,000 to study and design improvements to T Dock that will support the Anacortes tribal and commercial fleets today and for the future.”

Anyone is welcome to visit T Dock to see the fleet at work and buy fresh crab. Come on down this fall, support our local crabbers and fishers, and enjoy the bounty of the season!