California Delays Dungeness Crab Season for 7th Year to Protect Humpback Whales

For the seventh consecutive year, California's Dungeness crab season is delayed, with state officials pushing the start date back to prevent migrating humpback whales from getting entangled in fishing gear.

Initially set to begin on Nov. 15 for waters south of Mendocino County, the season will now be postponed until at least Dec. 1, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 

This decision comes amid ongoing concerns that traditional crab pot lines can harm whales, which are passing through California's coastal waters as part of their seasonal migration, AP News reported.

Each year, humpback whales travel along the Pacific Coast, where they risk encountering fishing equipment in high-traffic areas. When these whales become entangled in crab pot lines, it can lead to injuries, exhaustion, or even death if they cannot free themselves. 

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Whale Entanglement Concerns Spur Call for Safer Gear

Conservation groups, including Oceana and the Center for Biological Diversity, have been vocal about the risks posed by standard fishing practices. They are calling for the state to accelerate the adoption of safer, rope-free gear to better protect marine life without significantly affecting crab fishing.

CDFW made this decision in consultation with environmental organizations, fishery representatives, and marine scientists, who discussed the recent whale entanglement data. 

According to recent reports, four humpback whales were confirmed entangled in crab fishing gear this year, with additional cases involving unidentified fishing equipment. This evidence shows the ongoing threat to whales and has led to another assessment set for Nov. 22 to evaluate the possibility of an early December start, according to The Seattle Times.

While the commercial season faces delays, the recreational crab season will open as planned on Nov. 2, albeit with restrictions on using trap gear. Recreational crabbers will be limited to hoop nets and crab snares, reducing the chance of accidental whale entanglements until further assessments are made.

This series of delays began in 2015, following a period of challenges including harmful algae blooms that affected the crabs. Since then, concerns about whale safety have led to continuous adjustments. 

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