Wednesday October 30, 2024
National Fisherman —
California’s commercial Dungeness crab season faces a delay this year, reflecting growing concerns over the safety of marine wildlife, particularly humpback whales. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the season, originally set to open on November 15, may not open until December 1, depending on a reassessment of the risk of whale entanglements. The affected area ranges from the Sonoma-Mendocino County line in the Northern parts of the state to the U.S.-Mexico border.
CDFW is committed to protecting marine life while also considering the economic impact on the fishing industry. The organization previously cited numerous reports of humpback whale entanglements in fishing gear, emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures. Recreational crabbers will still be able to fish starting November 2, but specific restrictions will be in place in designated zones to safeguard these marine mammals.
The CDFW’s decision aligns with ongoing discussions about the fishing industry’s future in the context of environmental sustainability. The use of pop-up gear, designed to reduce the risk of entanglements, has been suggested as a potential solution. However, this technology has yet to be widely implemented or mandated across the state.