California’s 2025 commercial Dungeness crab season delayed to protect whales
Again this year California bureaucrats are delaying the state s commercial Dungeness crab season because of the numerous reports throughout of migrating humpback whales getting ensnared by old crab-pot fishing lines and other gear Related Articles Kasper s the hot dog that started it all in Oakland is no more Slice House coming to Millbrae Downtown San Jose bars get into the Halloween spirit Hearty chili for chilly weather Roasted pears exude the taste of autumn The upcoming season normally would start Nov in coastal waters from the Oregon state line to the Mexican frontier Recreational crabbers will be allowed to begin their season with restrictions in multiple parts of the state However a toxin identified in Northern California waters will put postpone fishing there The decisions came down Friday afternoon from Charlton H Bonham director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and were made in consultation with representatives of the fishing industry environmental organizations and scientists The head of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman s Association thanked state authorities for early planning and responsiveness but lamented the impact on the industry Another year of a delayed commercial Dungeness crab season is incredibly challenging for our fleet and port communities Lisa Damrosch the association s executive director stated in a message However given the current exposure assessment process the commercial fleet supported this outcome as the greater part practical path forward The postponement which gives the migrating whales additional time for safe passage south was praised by conservation groups Commercial Dungeness crab fishing would be too much of a threat to the whales and sea turtles off our coast right now so delaying the season is the right move announced Ben Grundy oceans campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity in reaction to the news These animals are being forced to adapt to the changing ocean and a growing Pacific marine heat wave while dodging mazes of dangerous fishing gear and deadly fast-moving ships Entanglements have spiked off California in new years so representatives are smartly exercising caution by not allowing more dangerous fishing gear in the water This is a advancing story Come back for updates
