California Delays Commercial Dungeness Crab Season to Protect Whales

Commercial Dungeness Crab Season on Hold

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that the commercial Dungeness crab season will be delayed until at least January 1. This decision, revealed on Friday, means Dungeness crab will be absent from Bay Area dining tables during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve celebrations.

Whale Entanglement Prompts Delay

The primary reason for the delay is the rising number of whale entanglements attributed to crab trap lines. Preliminary data from the National Marine Fisheries Service indicates 37 whale entanglements occurred off California, Oregon, and Washington during the first nine months of the year. Of these, 30 involved humpback whales—the highest tally since 2016, according to the Center for Biological Diversity in Oakland.

Geographical Scope and Past Season Restrictions

This year's delay affects the commercial crab season from the Oregon border down to Point Conception. The commercial season also experienced multiple postponements last year due to concerns over migrating humpback whales becoming entangled in fishing gear.

Recreational Fishing and Domoic Acid Warning

Recreational fishing for Dungeness crab is set to open with trap restrictions beginning November 7. However, north of Fort Bragg, unhealthy levels of domoic acid have led scientists to prohibit the recreational take or possession of Dungeness crab in that region.

Efforts to Reduce Whale Risks: Pop-Up Fishing Gear

The state will reassess whale risk in mid-December to determine when commercial catch restrictions can be lifted. Meanwhile, whale advocates and environmental groups have called for the expedited authorization of pop-up fishing gear, which was partially approved for the Central Coast in March. This technology utilizes buoy and line systems that stay coiled on the seafloor until activated by a remote signal, thus eliminating the risk of whales getting caught in suspended lines.

Responses from Environmental Groups

Ben Grundy-Hawley, oceans campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed support for the current delay, stating, "Delaying the crab season is good news for whales, and a no brainer since entanglements are already so high this year." Grundy-Hawley urged the state to expedite approval for safer pop-up gear in response to the increased risks posed by marine heatwaves that bring more whales closer to fishing zones.

Looking Ahead

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will reevaluate the situation in December to decide on potential reopening for commercial crab fishing. Until then, crabbers and seafood lovers alike will have to wait, as whale safety remains a top priority for state wildlife officials.

Source: kron4.com.