Dungeness crabs molt, or shed their shells, between May and August and mating occurs immediately after the female has molted and before the new exoskeleton hardens. A chivalrous crustacean, the male Dungeness crab embraces the female for several days before mating. The commerical season runs from late fall through the early summer, pausing in the warmest months to avoid this sensitive spawning period.

Cooking Tips: Crab cakes, cioppino, and crab ravioli are all perfect with Dungeness crab. We deliver crab pre-cooked so it is ready to eat right when you get it.

Catch Method: Traps a.k.a. "pots"

Sustainability: Dungeness crab populations on the West Coast are stable and the fishery is extremely well-managed. Fishing activities are restricted to avoid crabs’ primary molting season, and size regulations ensure that female and undersized crabs are not retained and allowed to mate. Also, crab traps have very low amounts of bycatch.

- MBA Seafood Watch Rating: Good Alternative

- NOAA Fish Stock Sustainability Index: N/A