CDFW photo by C. Juhasz
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is expanding the temporary recreational crab trap restriction to include the area between the California/Oregon state line and Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1). The temporary restriction goes into effect on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. due to the presence of humpback whales in the area and the potential for entanglement from trap gear. All crab traps currently deployed in Fishing Zone 1 must be removed by 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2023.
Temporary trap restrictions will remain in effect between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) until lifted by the CDFW Director.
Taking crab using hoop nets, snares, and hands is still permitted statewide, and crab traps may currently be used in Fishing Zones 2 and 5.
Accompanying the trap restrictions, a Fleet Advisory for the recreational crab fisheries has been issued statewide. Avoid setting gear in areas where whales are present, and follow the best practices for crabbing described in the Best Practices Guide.
Remember that recreational crabbers using traps in Fishing Zones 2 and 5 must have a Recreational Crab Trap Validation. Validations are required even when under the age of 16, and when fishing from shore, pier, or other manmade structures. Validations are also required for passengers on party boats using crab traps to harvest crab.
Commercial crab seasons delayed
The northern California commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 1 and 2, originally scheduled to open on Dec. 1, 2023, has been delayed because the crab are not yet ready for market, according to the annual pre-season meat recovery test results. The northern California season opener will be delayed until at least 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, pending another round of meat recovery testing.
The delayed commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3 through 6 will remain delayed due to the presence of a large number of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement with lines and traps in the fishery.
CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or around Dec. 7, 2023. That risk assessment is expected to inform a potential commercial fishery opener and modification of the recreational trap restriction.
For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit the CDFW Whale-Safe Fisheries web page. To learn more about Dungeness crab and the recreational and commercial fisheries, visit the CDFW Crabs web page.
post by Mary Patyten, CDFW Research Writer
Marine Management News 