Submitted by the Washington State Ferries.

Ferries and crabbing are both part of summer in the Pacific Northwest. But they don’t go well together in the same waters. Crab pots in ferry lanes can cause damage and delays. They can also be dangerous. Many areas of the Salish Sea are open for crabbing on Sunday, July 6 (https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab). If you’re heading out, please keep crab pots away from ferry routes. For tips on safe and successful crabbing, check out the Northwest Straits Initiative’s tips and tricks. A Department of Fish and Wildlife proposed rule (nwstraitsfoundation.org/derelict-gear/catch-more-crab/) would ban commercial and recreational crabbing, shrimping and fishing with purse seines or gillnets near our terminals. WDFW is asking for public feedback before its hearing on the matter at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5.