California’s delayed Dungeness crab season to start just before the new year

After three delays, commercial Dungeness crab fisheries, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday the season can begin statewide starting Dec. 31.

Partial crab fishing restrictions have been implemented throughout most zones as migrating humpback whales are still present down California’s coast.

Commercial fishing zones 3 through 6, which cover areas south of the Mendocino County line, will open under a 50% trap reduction to reduce the risk of humpback whale entanglement.

Whale migration is still being spotted around Point Reyes. Fleet advisories suggest commercial and recreational fishers “avoid setting gear in areas where whales are transiting or foraging and to follow best practices, as described in the Best Practices Guide.”

The San Francisco Chronicle reported some area stores were selling crab from out of state, with prices as high as $16. Local crab meat would likely sell for under $10.

Poor meat quality in zones 1 and 2, which cover Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties, prompted fishing delays for commercial fisheries. With recent crab improvement, the zones are also scheduled to open Dec. 31.

A 62-hour gear setting period has been implemented for commercial fishers, throughout all zones, and will begin Dec. 28 at 8:01 a.m.

The next risk assessment is scheduled on or around Jan. 18, 2023.