Sandy Beach Study Area

Known Crab Pot Area

The Sandy Beach region on the west side of the Gastineau Channel (see map to the right) is historically and currently a popular area for both recreational fishing for Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) and Tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) and commercial fishing for Dungeness crab. High levels of fishing effort for crab are observed at Sandy Beach relative to other areas due to its accessibility and productivity.

The area is adjacent to a major harbor with a launch ramp in the community of Douglas which leads to accessibility by a wide variety of recreational vessels both small and large under reasonable weather conditions regardless of season. This area also has a reputation for reliable catches particularly of Dungeness crab which leads to targeting by both recreational and commercial vessels in season. Anecdotally, the Douglas Indian Association (DIA), local fisheries management and enforcement, and active recreational users agree that lost fishing gear is common in this area. The study region identified for this project ranges is a “shelf” that extends to approximately 25 m in depth and extends approximately 4 km southeast from the Douglas boat harbor.