NEWPOERT, Ore. -- The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open along all of Oregon's coast Tuesday.

Prior to the opening, crab vessels will set up their gear beginning Saturday.

The commercial season is targeted to open Dec. 1, but can be delayed year-to-year to ensure the crab are big enough and to avoid wastage of resources

Commercial Dungeness crab is Oregon's most valuable fishery.

Last year's season, though it was delayed, brought in the second highest ex-vessel value ever at $66.7 million with 18.7 million pounds.

Recreation crabbing season is currently open coast-wide.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends calling the Shellfish Hotline at (800) 448-2474 for closures before going crabbing.