California’s recreational Dungeness crab season opened Nov. 1, but the start came with restrictions across several regions, while the commercial season remained delayed due to environmental and wildlife concerns.
In northern California, the opener was postponed after state health agencies detected unsafe levels of domoic acid in local crab populations. The closure affected state waters from the California–Oregon border (42° 0.00’ N latitude) south to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line (38° 46.125’ N latitude). Acting on recommendations from health officials, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham delayed the start of the recreational Dungeness crab fishery in this area, prohibiting take and possession until further notice.
Between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Point Reyes (37° 59.73’ N latitude), health agencies advised the public not to consume crab viscera (guts) to avoid potential domoic acid exposure. In addition, the use of crab traps was temporarily restricted between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (36° N latitude, Fishing Zones 3 and 4) due to the continued presence of humpback whales and the risk of entanglement.
A Fleet Advisory was also issued for all Fishing Zones, urging crabbers to avoid setting gear where whales were sighted. Regulations required that hoop nets be serviced every two hours and not left unattended for extended periods. Recreational crabbers were still allowed to use hoop nets and crab snares in permitted areas, though traps remained prohibited south of Point Arguello.
The commercial Dungeness crab fishery did not open alongside the recreational season. CDFW delayed the start statewide due to high numbers of reported entanglements, an abundance of humpback whales, and the presence of leatherback sea turtles. The delay was designed to give whales and turtles time to migrate safely out of California waters before gear deployment resumed.
“Another year of a delayed commercial Dungeness crab season has been incredibly difficult for our fleet and port communities,” said Lisa Damrosch, Executive Director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Associations (PCFFA). “However, given the current risk assessment process, the commercial fleet supported this outcome as the most practical path forward. We appreciate CDFW and Director Bonham for listening to input from the Dungeness Crab Gear Working Group and providing the needed clarity for planning.”
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham stated that the department “remains steadfast in our commitment to working collaboratively with all sectors to protect whales and turtles from entanglements in fishing gear. Partnerships and collaborations are more important than ever as we work together to protect endangered whales and turtles and our fishing communities in the face of increasing disruptions from our changing climate.”
CDFW announced that the next risk assessment will take place in mid-December to evaluate whether the commercial fishery can open around the New Year. Bonham will review available data and recommendations from the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group before making any decision to lift restrictions.
The delay of the northern recreational fishery remained in effect until the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), determined that domoic acid levels no longer posed a health risk.
Domoic acid is a naturally occurring marine neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a microscopic alga that blooms under certain ocean conditions. While crabs and shellfish can accumulate the toxin without appearing ill, consumption by humans can lead to severe health effects. At low levels, it causes nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea; at high concentrations, it can result in memory loss, seizures, or death.
Boaters and anglers are encouraged to stay informed by checking the latest closures and advisories before heading out.
For the most current updates, visit the CDFW at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Invertebrates/Crabs for Fishery Closure and Health Advisory Information or call the Domoic Acid Information Line, (831) 649-2883. You can also contact the CDPH for Shellfish Advisories and Analytical Data on the Biotoxin Information Line, (510) 412-4643 or (800) 553-4133. To get more details on the Risk Assessment Process and Whale Safe Fisheries, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
