Northwest Straits Foundation Derelict Gear Program

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Northwest Straits Foundation Derelict Gear Program

The Northwest Straits Foundation works to eliminate harm from derelict fishing gear in Puget Sound.

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation works to identify emerging issues of import the Salish Sea marine ecosystem, build local consensus for marine conservation, educate communities about the marine environment, and restore critical nearshore habitats. A partner organization within the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, the Foundation collaborates with county-based M

arine Resources Committees and the Northwest Straits Commission to support research, monitoring, restoration, stewardship, conservation and education programs and projects at the local and regional level.

10/06/2025

Our removal team is grateful to everyone who helps to keep the Salish Sea clear of marine debris. It’s been a busy season for us, and we thank the fishermen who have diligently reported net entanglements so we can remove the gear before unnecessary harm is caused.

This is a great example of industry and community working together for a healthy Salish Sea.

Report lost fishing nets at 360-733-1725 or derelictgear.org. Remember, there are NO penalties, removals are FREE, and this simple act can do more than save fish. Let’s work together!

08/29/2025

Headed out crabbing this Labor Day weekend? 🦀
Play along with our Crab Bingo! Each square is a step to protect your gear and our marine environment. A little prep goes a long way to making sure you Catch More Crab and lose less gear! Watch the Catch More Crab videos by following this link: https://nwstraitsfoundation.org/derelict-gear/catch-more-crab/

07/07/2025

Just in! WDFW has announced a new rule prohibiting crabbing and sh*****ng around Puget Sound ferry terminal areas. It’s always been best practice, but now it’s the rule. Protect your gear, avoid the fine, and Catch More Crab! To learn more and see which locations are affected by the closure zones check out the link in the comments!

07/03/2025

Shell yeah! It’s (almost) the Fourth and crabbing season is kicking off! 🦀🎆
July 3rd marks opening day across much of Puget Sound, so get ready to sea-ze the day! Don’t be shellfish, do your part to keep the season safe and sustainable. Head on over to CatchMoreCrab.org to make sure your gear is properly rigged and ready to roll!

06/25/2025

Last Chance to Register!

Crabbing season is almost here! Register now at https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf for our online workshop today, June 25th from 6 – 7 PM with experts from WDFW who will share everything you need to know for a successful crabbing season.

Registration is required, so secure your spot now! https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf

Learn to be a responsible and successful crabber so you and future generations can !

06/24/2025

Are you ready for the crabbing season!? Join us this Wednesday, June 25th from 6 – 7 PM as we host a live online workshop with WDFW experts to help you be a successful and responsible crabber.

Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf and secure your spot!

06/18/2025

Summer crabbing is almost here! Join us on June 25th for a FREE virtual workshop with the experts at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Gain valuable insights, tips, and tricks to 🦀 and make the most of your adventures. Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/45z8tsmf and secure your spot!

08/30/2024

Labor Day Alert for All Crabbers! 🦀

Whether you're crabbing from a boat, kayak, or paddleboard (crabbleboarding, as the pros call it), make sure you're prepared for a successful and responsible harvest. Before you head out, click on the link below to check out our educational videos to help prevent crab pot loss. Remember, a single lost crab pot can kill up to 15 harvestable crabs each year! 😢

✅ Weight your pots and lines
✅ Check your tides
✅ Mark your buoys clearly
✅ Steer clear of vessel traffic
Follow https://nwstraitsfoundation.org/project/recreational-crabbing-resources/ to learn more about this checklist!

Let's protect our marine resources and ensure a safe and bountiful Labor Day weekend on the water!

07/02/2024

In case you missed our virtual crabbing webinar with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife on June 27th, you can now view the recording on our YouTube channel! Follow this link: https://youtu.be/v53CuFW_Kt0 to learn more about setting up crab pots, when and where to set pots, rules & regulations, and techniques to Catch More Crab!

07/01/2024

Summer crabbing season opens today in many areas around Puget Sound! We want to remind our fellow crabbers to rig your pots using the methods listed on our website, catchmorecrab.org to prevent your pot from becoming derelict. We hope you enjoy our poem, and we wish you good luck!

06/26/2024

Calling all crabbers! 🦀

This just in! Summer crabbing season officially kicks off July 1st in many marine areas around Puget Sound. Before you hit the water, join us on Thursday, June 27 for a virtual crabber workshop. This free workshop, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, will cover all things crabbing: how to set up your gear, when and where to set your pots, regulations, and techniques to !

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CMCWS2024

To learn more about opening dates in your area and licensing information use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/CRAB2024PS

06/14/2024

Gear up for an unforgettable crabbing season! Join us on June 27th for a FREE virtual workshop with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Gain valuable insights, tips, and tricks to 🦀 and make the most of your adventures. Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/CMCWS2024 and secure your spot!

Address

Bellingham, WA
98225

Telephone

+13607331725

Website

http://www.nwstraitsfoundation.org/

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