PORTLAND, Ore. — State officials have delayed the start of Oregon's commercial Dungeness crab season until at least Dec. 16, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) reported Friday.

Crabs in Oregon already meet both meat and biotoxin safety requirements, but crabs in Long Beach, Washington, about 20 miles north of Astoria, need more time to grow, ODFW said in a news release.

Washington will retest its Long Beach crab, and if it meets the required 23% for meat fill-in, the season will open Dec. 16. If not, ODFW officials said they'll consider a partial opening south of Cape Falcon, which is located about 10 miles south of Cannon Beach.

"Most Dungeness crab advisory committee members support the delay, as it is least disruptive to traditional fishing patterns and may improve mar

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