Can I Clean My Crabs on the Boat?

July 1, 2010

Question: After crab fishing, it’s so nice to clean the crabs on our boat at the dock before heading home to drop them into the steamer. However, I was stopped by a DFG game warden at Half Moon Bay recently who said it was a violation since there was no way to tell if the crab was legal without the shell – similar to the requirements for abalone. I could not find anything in the regulations on this. Can we clean our crabs at the berth before taking them home? (George J., Half Moon Bay)

Answer: Crabs must be brought ashore in such a manner that the size and species can be determined (Fish and Game Code, sections 5508 and 5509). You may legally clean the crabs only after you remove them from the boat onto shore (including dock or pier) or after you haul the boat out of the water.