State officials said Wednesday that the opening of commercial Dungeness crab season would be delayed for the third time this season, in an effort to protect humpback whales and other marine life from entanglements.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said too many whales are present off the California coast, from the Mendocino/Sonoma County line to the U.S.-Mexico border, for commercial crabbing to occur safely.
It's the third time the season opening has been postponed. The prior delays were announced on Oct. 28 and Nov. 21. The next assessment will be made by Dec. 22.
"This is absolutely the right decision," said Catherine Kilduff, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. "While the humpbacks are still out there, holding off on crabbing ensures they'll be safe."
Kilduff said until the industry starts using ropeless gear, "it's crucial not to put lines in the water that could entangle some of the ocean's most majestic creatures."
More information on the Dungeness crab fishing season is available at wildlife.ca.gov.
Comments
Registered user
Willowgate
on Dec 9, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Kudos to the CF&G! Whales are some of the most intelligent mammals on the planet. They are known to be "Deep Thinker". I love to eat crab in season. But it is a "no-brainer" to sacrifice my immediate desire for crab for the long-term protection of our whale brothers & sisters.