From Sfchronicle · · 1m
California delays Dungeness crab season
California pushes crab season to January, missing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
In brief
California pushes crab season to January, missing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. California delays Dungeness crab season until January due to whale entanglements, affecting holiday crab availability. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
California delays crab season
California’s Dungeness crab season is delayed until at least January, missing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
Whale entanglements cause delay
Nine humpback whales confirmed entangled in fishing gear off California coast since January, four caught in crab gear.
State regulations require delay
State rules require crab season pause when humpback whales are entangled in fishing gear, threshold surpassed this year.
Recreational season proceeds
Recreational crab season starts November 7 with trap number restrictions, Humboldt and Mendocino counties remain closed.
Dungeness crab value
Last year’s crab catch appraised at $56 million, making it California’s most economically valuable fishery.
Environmental concerns
Environmental groups push for shorter seasons and less harmful fishing gear to reduce whale entanglements.
Fishermen’s resistance
Fishermen say pop-up fishing gear is impractical for large-scale use, preferring traditional traps.
What matters most
California delays Dungeness crab season until January due to whale entanglements, affecting holiday crab availability.
