The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the much-anticipated opening of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery for the 2025 season. The fishery will open in two phases, with the Central Management Area (from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border) set to begin on January 5, 2025, and the Northern Management Area (from the California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line) scheduled to open on January 15, 2025. These staggered start dates reflect ongoing efforts to balance sustainable fishing practices with the protection of marine wildlife.
In the Central Management Area, the fishery will open under a 50 percent trap reduction, with a pre-soak period beginning on January 2, 2025. This precautionary measure is designed to reduce the risk of entanglements with humpback whales, a growing concern in California’s fishing waters. Similarly, the Northern Management Area will open with a 25 percent trap reduction and a pre-soak period starting January 12, 2025. These reductions aim to decrease the number of vertical lines and fishing gear in the water, minimizing potential harm to endangered marine species.
The delay in the Northern Management Area is due to the inability to complete industry-sponsored crab quality testing in time for an earlier opening. Under California Fish and Game Code Section 8276.2, quality testing ensures that the crabs meet the high standards required for harvest. With the delay, the state has triggered the “fair start” provision, which prohibits vessels that fished in other areas earlier in the season, including Oregon and Washington, from fishing in the newly opened area for 30 days.
The challenges of balancing sustainable fishing practices with wildlife protection have delayed the Dungeness crab season in recent years. Historically, the fishery opened in time for the holiday season, but concerns over entanglement risks and the presence of whales in fishing zones have shifted opening dates. Despite these adjustments, California’s Dungeness crab fishery remains a vital economic driver, generating an average of $45 million annually over the past five years.
“Making the decision on when to open the Dungeness crab fishery is never an easy one. It requires careful consideration of the need to protect endangered species while sustaining the livelihood of California’s fishing communities,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “Reducing the number of traps in the water is a successful management measure we have utilized before. This approach allows the fishery to open as early as possible while minimizing the risk of entanglements statewide.”
Efforts to manage the fishery while safeguarding marine wildlife have been extensive and collaborative. Over the past five years, the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, along with environmental organizations, scientists, and the fishing industry, has held nearly 150 meetings and conducted over 50 risk assessments. Aerial surveys covering more than 20,000 miles of California’s coastline have provided crucial data to inform decision-making. Additionally, the state has invested more than $6 million in innovative measures, including outfitting the fleet with electronic monitoring units, supporting gear marking programs, and developing alternative fishing gear to reduce entanglement risks.
The industry has also expressed its commitment to finding solutions that benefit both the environment and fishing communities. Lisa Damrosch, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, noted, “It is always a good thing when California’s commercial fishing fleet can get to work, delivering healthy, sustainable seafood to our communities. Delays are difficult, and fisheries management is becoming increasingly complex. We appreciate CDFW’s hard work and commitment to collaborating with the industry to set an opening date that balances harvest opportunities with the need to reduce risks to marine mammals.”
In addition to the trap reductions, CDFW has lifted the temporary recreational crab trap restriction starting January 2, 2025, for Fishing Zones 3 and 4, which span from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point in Monterey County. A Fleet Advisory remains in place for all fishing zones, urging both commercial and recreational fishers to follow best practices to avoid interactions with whales and sea turtles. The Best Practices Guide provides recommendations for responsible fishing, including avoiding areas where marine mammals are present and retrieving lost or abandoned gear.
To further address the issue of derelict gear, permitted commercial vessels are authorized to retrieve up to six abandoned crab traps per trip. Reports of lost gear can be submitted through CalTIP, aiding in cleanup efforts and reducing risks to marine wildlife.
Looking ahead, CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment in mid-January 2025, continuing its commitment to adaptively managing the fishery. For additional information about the risk assessment process and the Dungeness crab fishery, visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page and the official website at www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
As California’s Dungeness crab season unfolds, the collaboration between stakeholders, scientists, and regulatory agencies highlights the complexities of managing a sustainable and profitable fishery in harmony with the marine environment. These efforts ensure that both the crabs and the coastal communities that depend on them can thrive for generations to come.
