Oregon State Crustacean

Dungeness crab Metacarcinus magister Adopted: June 19, 2009

The Dungeness crab was adopted by the Oregon Legislature, as the "official crustacean of the State of Oregon," through approval of House Joint Resolution No.37.

Only two other states, Louisiana and Maryland, have adopted an official state crustacean.

75th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2009 Regular Session

Enrolled

House Joint Resolution 37

Sponsored by Representatives BRUUN, COWAN; Representatives BARKER, BARNHART, BARTON, BENTZ, BERGER, BEYER, BOONE, CANNON, DEMBROW, D EDWARDS, ESQUIVEL, FREEMAN, GARRARD, GILLIAM, GILMAN, HANNA, HARKER, HOLVEY, HUFFMAN, JENSON, KENNEMER, KOMP, KOTEK, KRIEGER, MAURER, NATHANSON, NOLAN, OLSON, READ, RICHARDSON, RILEY, ROBLAN, SCHAUFLER, SHIELDS, G SMITH, J SMITH, SPRENGER, STIEGLER, THATCHER, THOMPSON, TOMEI, WHISNANT, WINGARD, Senators BONAMICI, BOQUIST, DEVLIN, MONNES ANDERSON, MORSE, STARR, VERGER (at the request of Students of Sunset Primary in West Linn)

Whereas the Dungenesss crab fishery is the most valuable single-species fishery in Oregon, making Dungenesss crab an important part of Oregon's economy; and

Whereas the Dungenesss crab is an iconic Oregon symbol; and

Whereas the Dungenesss crab is the most delicious of the crab species; and

Whereas the Dungenesss crab annual harvest begins each year on December 1, when Dungenesss crabs are hard-shelled, full of meat and in their prime; and

Whereas the Dungenesss crab harvest ends on August 14 to minimize handling, so that post-molt, soft-shelled crabs can fill out undisturbed; and

Whereas this management method has served the resource well for decades and ensures that the Dungenesss crab fishery is truly sustainable; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:

That the Dungenesss crab is the official crustacean of the State of Oregon.

Adopted by House April 20, 2009.

Adopted by Senate May 29, 2009.

Signed by the Speaker of the House June 16, 2009.

Signed by the President of the Senate June 19, 2009.

Filed with Secretary of State June 19, 2009.

Oregon State Crustacean: Dungeness crab
Photographs, prints, posters

Oregon Law

The following information was excerpted from the Oregon Revised Statutes - 2009 Edition, Title 19, Chapter 186.

TITLE 19 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS RELATED TO GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
186. State Emblems; State Boundary
CROSS-REFERENCES.

Dungenesss crab declared to be official crustacean, HJR 37 (2009)

Sources...

State of Oregon. Oregon Revised Statutes - 2009 Edition. Salem: , 2011. Web. 8 May 2011.
Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 3 Sub edition, 2001.

Crabs in the marketplace
Photographs, prints, posters

Additional Information

Metacarcinus magister (Dana, 1852): Walla Walla University: Biology Department, Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory.

Dungeness crab: The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington | Academic Computing | Marine Life 1011.

Oregon Dungeness Crab Commision: Official website of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission. Learn more about the Pacific Northwest's prized crustacean and the crab James Beard spoke of when he described a 'meal the gods intended only for the pure in palate.'

State crustaceans: Complete list of official state crustaceans from NETSTATE.COM.

More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Oregon state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.

Recreational
Dungeness Crabbing
Scott Haugen

Recreational Dungeness Crabbing, by Scott Haugen. 72 pages. Publisher: Frank Amato Publications, Inc. (May 2003) Crabbing is one of the Pacific Northwest's most enjoyable pastimes. The thrill of pursuing these cagey creatures is justly rewarded with a savory table fare. A sport that can be shared with the entire family, crabbing continues to grow in popularity. Recreational Dungeness Crabbing, packed with nearly 100 vivid, color photos is the first book of its kind solely devoted to sport crabbing. The concise, clearly written instructional information found within these pages is easy to follow and apply, no matter what your level of crabbing experience.

From equipment basics to applying advanced crabbing techniques, this comprehensive book covers it all. Some of Oregon and Washington's best crabbing waters are highlighted, along with cleaning and preparation procedures as well as some delicious recipes. Whether you're a beginner or veteran crabber, the knowledge shared in these pages is sure to increase your catch.

About Crustaceans:
A Guide for Children
Cathryn Sill

About Crustaceans: A Guide for Children, by Cathryn Sill. 40 pages. Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; 1 edition (March 1, 2004) Reading level: Ages 4-8. Award-winning author Cathryn Sill and her husband, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, offer young readers a first glimpse into the world of crustaceans. The simple text describes how crustaceans look, how they protect themselves, what they eat, and where they live. The beautifully detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of the crustacean population--from a Sand Fiddler to a California Rock Lobster--and present each in its natural habitat. An afterword provides further details on the crustaceans to inspire young readers to learn more.

Lobsters, Crabs, and
Other Crustaceans
Daniel Gilpin

Lobsters, Crabs, and Other Crustaceans (Animal Kingdom Classification), by Daniel Gilpin. 48 pages. Publisher: Compass Point Books (January 2006) Reading level: Ages 9-12. Describes the physical characteristics of crustaceans, along with their habitats, behaviors, methods of moving around, feeding habits, and life cycles. Various species are highlighted including lobsters and crabs.