Free lecture explores life of local crabs

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Have you ever wondered how Dungeness crabs survive and what you can do to help protect them?

Join the Washington State University Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mukilteo City Hall, 11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo, for a free talk by Don Velasquez and Jeff June on “The State of Dungeness Crab Harvest and Lost Gear.”

Dungeness crabs are an important resource economically and ecologically in the Puget Sound region. But there are significant challenges facing the crabs, which are under increasing harvest pressure from many groups.

Learn how lost gear can impact the fishery and affect harvest, while getting a refresher on basic crabbing rules.

This is the second lecture in a series of free public seminars titled “Explore Puget Sound, In Depth.” Future lectures are set for June 1 and Sept. 7.

See www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/snohomish for more information or call 425-357-6020.

Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.