Crab price is set for 2009-2010 season

CHARLESTON, ORE - If there is a delay to the commercial crabbing season, it won't be due to price negotiations, as Oregon Crab fishermen and seafood processor representatives agree on an opening price.

According to a press release from the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, the price of Dungeness Crab has gone up this year by 15-cents over the starting price from one year ago.

The negotiations, which began just one week ago, came to a successful conclusion on November 25th, with both sides agreeing on a price of 1.75/pound.

That price becomes official after the Oregon Department of Agriculture ratifies the agreement, which should happen by November 27th.

This early settlement guarantees that crabbers can take advantage of the 64-hour "pre-soak" period, which begins at 8:00 a.m. on November 28th.

The season officially opens on December 1st, weather permitting.