Dungeness Crab

Crab

Dec 12

Dungeness Crab in the Local Ocean Fish Shop

A vibrant, freshly caught Dungeness crab held up at the Local Ocean fish market, just before being weighed for purchase. A true taste of the Oregon Coast.

Fishwives Stew

A steaming bowl of fresh Fishwives Stew, loaded with Dungeness crab claws, shrimp, clams, and a rich tomato-based broth, served at Local Ocean in Newport, Oregon.

Fresh Dungeness

Freshly caught Dungeness crabs, their bright orange shells glistening over a bed of ice, ready to be sold at the fish market in Newport, Oregon.

Dungeness In the Pot

A pot of Dungeness crab steaming to perfection, releasing a cloud of fragrant steam as they cook, capturing the essence of Oregon’s coastal seafood tradition.

Local Ocean - Dungeness Crab_Sandwich.jpg

Flavor Profile

Clean and sweet tasting.

Season

December 1st - August 15th.

Fun Facts

Dungeness crab accounts for about one-third of the value of all Oregon commercial fisheries and is considered the economic backbone of the fleet. Newport is the Dungeness crab capital of the world.

Dungeness Crab: The Crown Jewel of Oregon’s Fisheries

Dungeness crab is the crown jewel of Oregon’s fisheries, accounting for nearly one-third of the state’s commercial seafood value. Revered for its sweet, tender meat and delicate brininess, this iconic crustacean supports coastal communities and serves as the economic backbone of Oregon’s fishing fleet.

Newport, proudly known as the Dungeness Crab Capital of the World, is home to a thriving fishery where skilled crabbers brave the winter waters to bring in this prized catch.

Fishing & Sustainability

Caught using sustainable pot fisheries, Oregon Dungeness crab is harvested with careful management practices to maintain healthy populations for future generations. Local fishers use baited pots to selectively harvest Dungeness crab, minimizing bycatch and protecting other marine species. Strict size and sex regulations ensure that only mature males are harvested, allowing female crabs to continue replenishing the population. This well-managed fishery has been recognized for its sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Peak Season & Consumer Value

The Dungeness crab season typically runs from December through summer, with peak quality and value occurring in the winter months. Early in the season, crabs are at their fullest, meaning they have the highest meat content inside the shell. This is also when prices are most consumer-friendly, making winter the best time to enjoy fresh Dungeness crab. As the season progresses, crab meat yield decreases, and prices tend to rise due to market demand.

Flavor & Culinary Uses

With its naturally sweet, flaky meat, Dungeness crab shines in everything from simple butter-dipped preparations to intricate seafood feasts. It’s incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed:

Steamed and cracked for a pure, unadulterated experience
Chilled in fresh crab cocktails for a light, refreshing bite
Folded into creamy crab cakes with crispy golden edges
Tossed into rich bisques or seafood pasta for depth of flavor

A staple of Oregon’s coastal cuisine, Dungeness crab is more than just a delicacy—it’s a symbol of the state’s fishing heritage and dedication to sustainable seafood.

From Ocean to Plate

From the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific to the tables of seafood lovers everywhere, Oregon’s Dungeness crab embodies the best of the state’s fishing traditions—fresh, sustainable, and undeniably delicious.