The Oregon Coast Aquarium will offer visitors a chance to claw into the science of Dungeness crabs, without getting pinched, to celebrate Crab Fishery Day on December 28.
Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is an iconic species of the West Coast, sought after by humans and non-humans alike for their delicious and abundant meat. Considered the most valuable single-species commercial fishery in Oregon, some 14 million pounds of crab are landed each season from coastal Oregon and the Columbia River estuary. The planktonic larvae of these crabs cloud intertidal waters in fall, providing sustenance to everything from juvenile rockfish and salmon to migrating gray whales.
The annual event at the Aquarium serves up an in-depth look at these amphibious crustaceans. “It is so wonderful we have healthy, sustainable fisheries right here in Newport. Crab Fishery Day is meant to highlight all that goes into the Dungeness crab fishery, from tossing crab pots to the market,” said Jenni Remillard, an Education Specialist at the Aquarium who organizes the event.
Animal keepers that care for the Aquarium’s fishes and invertebrates, known as aquarists, will host dissections and serve up a special meal for the Aquarium’s crabs so visitors can observe how they eat. Visitors can expect crab-centric demonstrations from Aquarium staff, volunteers and partner organizations, including the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and Oregon State Parks. All aspects of Dungeness crab will be covered, from their anatomy and behavior, to their role as one of Oregon’s most important commercial fisheries, to the marine and estuarine environments that nurture them.
Crab Fishery Day activities are free with Aquarium admission. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is open every day this winter from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for December 25. For more information visit aquarium.org or call (541) 867-3474.
Information and photos provided by Oregon Coast Aqarium
