Commercial fishing, crabbing and clamming

Our Extension specialists share best practices and sustainable harvest techniques to support Oregon’s commercial shellfish and fishing communities. We collaborate with seafood processors, fisheries managers and local operators to ensure resilient coastal livelihoods.

Oregon Sea Grant

Oregon Sea Grant serves the state, region and nation to engage, listen to, inform and assist coastal communities in addressing important social, economic, and environmental issues.

Oregon Sea Grant works with the fishing industry to understand and communicate the resilience and sustainability of important Pacific Northwest coastal and marine species.

Commercial fisheries face several challenges, including increased regulation, an aging fleet, and changing environmental conditions. Oregon Sea Grant informs decision-makers and the public about Oregon fisheries and how the community effects local seafood production and consumption.

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Photo Credit: TomR - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured resources

A guide to Oregon fisheries

A short guide to some of the commonly caught commercial seafood species in Oregon. Includes information on management, season, habitat and life history, fishing gear used to catch it, pounds landed and value of the fishery, and fun facts for 12 of the major fisheries in Oregon.

Amanda Gladics, Angee Doerr | Jun 2024 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Situation analysis for Oregon’s emergent seaweed aquaculture industry

This Nature Conservancy report is a comprehensive analysis of the seaweed industry in Oregon and the emerging possibilities for the local economy and environment.

Megan E. Considine et al | Feb 2023 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

First aid at sea - community resilience

While the Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training (FFAST) program equips fishermen with tools and know-how to best respond to fishing- related injuries, organizations like the Newport Fishermen’s Wives show us how important community resiliency is and how FFAST is part of it.

Angee Doerr | Mar 2026 | Video

Related news

Coastal collaboration strengthens fishing safety culture

Trusted partners deliver gear, training and support that can save lives.

Chris Branam | Apr 9, 2026 | News story

Collaborative OSU effort reduces whale entanglement, earns national honor

The project helped create a safer and more sustainable environment for both whales and fishermen, ensuring the long-term viability of Oregon’s coastal ecosystems and fishing industry.

Leigh Torres, Amanda Gladics | Nov 2025 | Impact story

OSU program enhances fishermen’s safety and preparedness

Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training ensures that every participating vessel leaves the training with a fully equipped first aid kit and offers first aid kit guides and micro-lessons to reinforce key concepts.

Dusti Linnell, Amanda Gladics, Angee Doerr | Mar 2025 | Impact story

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Eat Oregon Seafood - Where to Buy Oregon Seafood

Discover the many different types of seafood harvested in Oregon. These local foods can be used in a wide variety of recipes and are tasty substitutes for seafood shipped from further away. Use the map and business listings below to find seafood caught or grown in Oregon. Search for recipes, or share your own using #EatOregonSeafood.

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Credit: Stephen Ward (Cropped from original)

Latest resources

How do I buy fresh seafood from the fishing boats?

Q: How do I find out when and how to buy fish and crabs from the boats as they come in?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Guide to Oregon Aquaculture

The storymap guide is intended to increase awareness and understanding of aquaculture in Oregon and serve as a resource for emerging growers in the state.

Amy Ehrhart | Jul 2023 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Juvenile Dungeness crabs response in multi-stressor experiments

This paper reports on how juvenile Dungeness crab respond to foraging and sensing pH behavior experiments.

Jul 2023 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Meet Our Experts

Angee Doerr

Marine Fisheries Educator

Jamie Doyle

Coastal Community Development

Topics Jamie works on include: marine debris, seafood education, local food systems, seafood processing, working waterfronts, coastal Oregon Naturalist, State of the Coast, and social science research.

Amanda Gladics

Coastal Fisheries Specialist

Smiling person standing in front of rhododendron in bloom

Alex Marquardt

Coastal Mariculture Extension Specialist

Contact about shellfish and seaweed aquaculture across the Oregon coast.

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How do I buy fresh seafood from the fishing boats?

Q: How do I find out when and how to buy fish and crabs from the boats as they come in?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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