In the News

SEATTLE — Most crab fishermen from Washington are already in Alaska preparing for the start of the season in just ten days, but if the government shutdown drags on, they’ll be forced to stay docked.

“The problem is the federal government is the one that actually issues the permits,” said Mark Gleason, who represents the industry. “The people in charge of issuing those permits, are currently furloughed as non essential.”

Until those permits are issued, crab fisherman can’t legally go fish. The crabbing season lasts just over a month and any delays could also mean exports to the holiday market in Asia would be missed. Japan is the fleets largest buyer of crab.

It was an issue that Rep. Suzan Delbene took up Saturday on the floor of the House.

“The Bering Sea crab fishery is worth hundreds of millions of dollars to fishermen from Alaska to Washington,” said Delbene. ”Now, because of inaction in congress, the fishing fleet, the captains, their crews, and the processors, stand to lose millions.”

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