14 hours Ago By Tony Ng
The commercial Dungeness crab fishery is set to open in Central California. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) , the season will officially start on January 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
Fishermen can start setting their traps earlier, with a pre-soak period beginning on January 2. However, there's a significant twist this year. There will be a 50 percent trap reduction in the affected areas, a measure expected to significantly reduce the risk of entangling endangered humpback whales and other marine animals.
The sustainability dance between industry and environment continues, as ongoing concerns about marine life entanglement have necessitated a reduction in the number of fishing traps used. The measures aim to strike a careful balance, allowing the fishery to operate while protecting oceanic neighbors. In zones closer to the Oregon border, the Dungeness crab season will be delayed due to uncompleted meat quality testing.
These zones are set to open on January 15 automatically, subject also to a trap reduction. Despite delays and reduced gear, the Dungeness crab market remains a lucrative catch for California, raking in an average close to $45 million per year over the past five years. "Making the decision on when to open the Dungeness crab fishery is never an easy one," CDFW Director Charlton H.
Bonham stated . He emphasized the delicate balance required in the decision-making process, seeking to protect endangered species while sustaining the economic vitality of local fishing communities. Adapting to the new regulations, commercial fishers must toe the line with either a 25 or 50 percent reduction in traps, depending on their location.
The reductions are laid out clearly in the Director's Declaration, and all vessels must carry the correct number of valid buoy tags corresponding to these limits for inspection purposes. Additionally, operators in the specified zones are encouraged to adopt these new practices quickly and remain on the lookout for lost or abandoned gear. This effort helps to make the fishery more environmentally responsible.
The recreational crab trap restrictions will also be lifted come January 2, 2025, as reported by CDFW , in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, stretching from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point in Monterey County. Meanwhile, Lisa Damrosch, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, recognized the challenges that delays present but also acknowledged the intense collaborative efforts to arrive at a workable solution to open the fishery. She commended the "CDFW’s hard work and commitment to collaborating with the industry.
" Commercial and recreational crabbing communities are strongly advised to follow best fishing practices and avoid setting traps in areas where whales or sea turtles have been sighted. The next risk assessment for the fisheries will be conducted in mid-January as part of a continuous effort to monitor and adjust practices to ensure both a prosperous fishing and a protected marine ecosystem..
