SE AK commercial dungeness crab buoy tag sales and registration procedure

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that Dungeness crab permit holders throughout Registration Area A (Southeast) will be required to call ahead and make an appointment with department staff prior to registering for the 2020/2021 Dungeness crab season. Due to safety measures put in place by State of Alaska Health Mandates, the department recommends permit holders bring a check or exact cash for payment of buoy tags, a pen to sign the vessel registration form, and to wear a face covering. Permit holders are recommended to verify that their CFEC permit card and vessel license are valid for the 2020 Dungeness crab season prior to making an appointment to register for the fishery. Questions about specific area office registration procedures or the cost of buoy tags should be directed to your local area office or Tessa Bergmann at the phone numbers listed below.

Dungeness crab buoy tags for the 2020 season are scheduled to be available in all area offices starting May 6. Call your local area office or department representative to schedule an appointment to purchase buoy tags and register for the Dungeness crab fishery. Contact numbers for buoy tag sales and vessel registrations by area office: Petersburg: Tessa Bergmann (907) 518-4421; Joe Stratman (907) 772-5238, (907) 518-0755; Wrangell: (907) 874-3822

A subsequent advisory announcement will be issued with details regarding the 2020/2021 Dungeness crab season. Due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 health crisis, it is recommended that permit holders begin the registration process earlier and allow for more time to complete registrations. Waiting to register until immediately prior to the fishery opening may result in delayed registration.

Under Alaska's Health Mandates 10, 11, and 12, commercial fishing is an Essential Business and is part of Alaska's Essential Services and Critical Infrastructure. Commercial fishermen should ensure that all travel and other activities in support of commercial fishing operations follow protocols in Alaska COVID-19 Health Mandates. COVID-19 Health Mandates may be found here: https://gov.alaska.gov/home/covid19-healthmandates/.