Crabbing catch cards due Oct. 1

Recreational crabbing wrapped up Sept. 7 around Whidbey Island, and catch report cards are due Oct. 1.

Recreational crabbing wrapped up Sept. 7 around Whidbey Island, and catch report cards are due Oct. 1.

Only two marine areas, 7-North and 7-South around the San Juan Islands, are still open through Sept. 28.

Anyone who purchased a crab endorsement must report their catch, even if no Dungeness crab were kept.

“Catch reports play a major role in determining how much crab is still available for harvest during the winter season,” said Rich Childers, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife shellfish policy lead, in a news release. “It’s important that we receive reports from everyone licensed to fish for crab in Puget Sound — whether or not they caught crab this year.”

Anglers who do not submit their catch reports on time will face a $10 fine when purchasing a 2016 crab endorsement.

The fish and wildlife agency will announce winter crab seasons for Puget Sound in early October, after completing its assessment of the summer fishery. Winter cards, free to those with crab endorsements, are available at sporting goods stores and other license vendors across the state.

Catch cards can be reported online with either a WILD identification or social security number. Cards may also be mailed to CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.