2023 Eastern Aleutian District Tanner crab fishery begins Jan. 15

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) shellfish managers say the Eastern Aleutian District commercial Tanner crab season will open at noon on Jan. 15 in the Makushin/Skan Bay Section, with a guideline harvest level of 49,000 pounds. The remainder of the Eastern Aleutian District is to remain closed for the season.

Based on the number of vessels registered preseason prior to the Dec. 24 deadline, the pot limit is 50 Tanner crab pots per vessel. Buoy tags are required and can be purchased at ADF&G offices in Dutch Harbor for $1.50 apiece, the department announced earlier this week.

Vessel registration and tank inspection are to begin at noon on Jan. 14 at Dutch Harbor. All Tanner crab pots brought on board the vessel and in wet storage must comply with regulations. A 2023 Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit card is required prior to registration.

Daily catch reporting is required during the fishery. Fishermen are to be informed of in-season catch requirements during registration.

The season is to close when the guideline harvest level is reached or by noon on March 31, but the ADF&G may also end the season there based on poor fishing. For further information call the ADF&G at Dutch Harbor at 907-582-1219.

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