Follow best fishing practices to avoid lost pots
AVOID MARINE TRANSIT ZONES AND FERRY LANES. Many lost pots are found in Washington State Ferry traffic lanes and shipping lanes. It is assumed that crabbers unknowingly place their traps in these areas and the ferry/ship captains are not able to avoid them.
USE MULTIPLE BUOYS in high current areas.
MARK YOUR GEAR with clearly visible buoys to alert passing boaters to the presence of your crab pot.
WEIGHT YOUR LINE. Weighted lines sink below the surface to avoid being cut by passing boats.
WEIGHT YOUR POTS so they don't move in high currents.
USE THE CORRECT LENGTH OF LINE. Knowing how deep the water is where you set your gear ensures that you will be able to find your buoy. Use 1/3 more line than the water depth where you are crabbing.
Click here for a pdf of crab hazard areas in Snohomish County.
Click here for information about ferry routes.
Click here for more information about vessel traffic in Puget Sound.
Report lost crab pots
Report lost gear to the Northwest Straits Initiative's derelict fishing gear reporting site at: www.derelictgear.org.
More facts about lost pots
80% or 9,754 with escape cord stop fishing after 90 – 143 days
20% or 2,439 are illegal without escape cord and continue to fish for up to 2 years
Lost crab pots with escape cord kill 10 crabs by the time the escape cord releases
Pots without escape cord kill approximately 30 crab until pot deterioration
Crabs survive an average of 51 days in lost pots
Estimated 12,193 crab pots lost each year in Puget Sound
178,874 crab weighing about 340,000 pounds are killed by lost pots each year
Lost crab are worth $1.2 million at present commercial/recreational harvest levels
Each lost pot wastes $61 worth of crab at a commercial value and $235 at a recreational value
Return of useful pots to commercial fishers could add $35/pot in net value
It costs $60-$72 per pot for survey and removal