Limitation on taking crab in the exclusive economic zone of Oregon or California — Section effective contingent upon reciprocal legislation by both Oregon and California.
RCW 77.70.370
in effect(1) A Dungeness crab — coastal fishery licensee shall not take Dungeness crab in the waters of the exclusive economic zone westward of the states of Oregon or California and land crab taken in those waters into Washington state unless the licensee also holds the licenses, permits, or endorsements, required by Oregon or California to land crab into Oregon or California, respectively. (2) This section becomes effective only upon reciprocal legislation being enacted by both the states of Oregon and California. For purposes of this section, "exclusive economic zone" means that zone defined in the federal fishery conservation and management act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1802) as of January 1, 1995, or as of a subsequent date adopted by rule of the director.
(1) A Dungeness crab — coastal fishery licensee shall not take Dungeness crab in the waters of the exclusive economic zone westward of the states of Oregon or California and land crab taken in those waters into Washington state unless the licensee also holds the licenses, permits, or endorsements, required by Oregon or California to land crab into Oregon or California, respectively.
(2) This section becomes effective only upon reciprocal legislation being enacted by both the states of Oregon and California. For purposes of this section, "exclusive economic zone" means that zone defined in the federal fishery conservation and management act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1802) as of January 1, 1995, or as of a subsequent date adopted by rule of the director.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.70&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026