Oregon - The People's Coast
Commercial fishing ports are found all along the 362 mile coastline and a growing shellfish aquaculture industry can be found in the pristine bays. Plan a visit to discover Oregon seafood for yourself.
Commercial fishing vessels harvest the bounty
Commercial fishing of all sizes and gear types harvest seafood from Oregon's waters. You can begin to recognize what these boats are harvesting based on what gear they have on the back deck. From trawlers to trollers, crabbers and dive boats, Oregon ports have them all.
Working waterfronts as a way of life
Commercial fishing and shellfish farming are a way of life for many Oregon coastal communities. Fishing families reflect on the joys and hardships of life on the water.
Dungeness crab is the state crustacean and most valuable fishery
Over 300 fishing vessels pursue Dungeness crab each winter off the Oregon coast. These tasty crustaceans are delicious in a variety of dishes.
Overview
Oregon's rocky coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, river mouths, and vibrant fishing ports where you can discover the ocean's bounty. Three regions offer opportunities to discover and savor Oregon seafood.
The North Coast, boasts one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast in Astoria. It is home to one of Oregon's largest fishing fleets that brings in groundfish, crab, and other seafood to Astoria and nearby Warrenton. Garibaldi offers opportunities to buy directly from fishermen selling off the docks, go on a charter to catch your own, or check out a seaweed farm. North coast is also home to the unique dory fleet of Pacific City, which launches their small boats right off the beach through the pounding surf, and oyster farming in Tillamook and Netarts bays.
Newport leads the Central Coast in seafood landings, and you can learn about this diverse fleet while exploring the working waterfront. A variety of Oregon seafood can be found off the docks, local seafood restaurants, and in specialty seafood markets.
The Southern Oregon coast is more remote and wild, but boasts a thriving commercial fishing fleet and significant oyster production in Coos Bay. Smaller ports like Winchester Bay, Port Orford, and Brookings also provide opportunities to access seafood harvested from these clean, cold waters.
Click on the map below to find Oregon Sea Grant's seafood locator map. This map includes places you can buy local seafood to cook at home, including off the dock, specialty seafood markets, and grocery stores.
