On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC), in partnership with ForSea Solutions (FSS), will host an MSC Open Forum at LOGE Camps, Westport (WA).
This community event invites fishermen, processors, distributors, community members, and stakeholders to come together to discuss the future of the Dungeness Crab fishery — and what Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification could mean for long-term sustainability, global markets, and the resilience of coastal communities
What’s on the Agenda
• MSC Certification Pathway
Explore what certification could mean for fishermen, markets, and local communities — and the steps needed to meet MSC standards.
• Tri-State Collaboration
Discuss opportunities for Oregon, Washington, and California to align efforts and create consistency across state borders.
• Market Benefits & Risks
While China’s live market demand drives strong profits today, reliance on a single market leaves the fishery vulnerable. MSC certification can help diversify sales, expand access to processed crab markets in Europe and the U.S., and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
• Next Steps for Washington & Oregon
A Washington pre-assessment is under discussion, alongside comparative readiness analysis with Oregon. If aligned, both states could move toward a full MSC assessment by 2027; if not, a joint Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) may help close the gaps.
Why MSC Matters
MSC certification isn’t just about market access — it’s about future-proofing the fishery:
• Sustainability: Maintain healthy crab stocks with science-based management.
• Ecosystem Protection: Reduce bycatch and mitigate whale entanglement risks.
• Market Access: Meet the growing sustainability requirements of buyers in the U.S. and abroad.
• Resilience: Strengthen tri-state collaboration and industry recognition.
• Consumer Trust: Offer traceable, responsibly sourced crab that meets rising expectations.
Bottom line: pursuing MSC certification is a forward-looking strategy to stabilize today’s markets while protecting the fishery for future generations.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 2:00–4:00 PM Forum & Happy Hour | 4:00–6:00 PM Dinner & Networking
Location: LOGE Camps, Westport, WA
The forum takes place just days before the ODFW pop-up gear learning workshop (August 27 in Astoria, OR), making it a timely moment to share ideas, align goals, and build momentum together.
