The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced that the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line to the U.S./Mexico border will open on January 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.
A pre-soak period will begin today, January 2, 2025, at 8:01 a.m. This area, covering Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6, will operate under a 50% trap reduction to mitigate the risk of humpback whale entanglements by decreasing the amount of gear and vertical lines in the water.
In contrast, the Dungeness crab season in the Northern Management Area (Zones 1 and 2, from the California-Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) faces a further delay due to the inability to conduct industry-sponsored meat quality testing. The season in this area is now scheduled to open automatically on January 15, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., with a 25 percent trap reduction in effect. A pre-soak period will begin on January 12, 2025, at 8:01 a.m. This delay activates the fair start provision under Fish and Game Code 8279.1, which prohibits vessels from taking, possessing onboard, or landing crab in a previously delayed area for 30 days from the opening date if they have participated in other commercial Dungeness crab fishing areas during the same season.
Historically, Dungeness crab has been available during the holiday season; however, in recent years, the presence of whales in fishing areas and entanglements in fishing gear has led to delayed season openings. Despite these shortened seasons, the California Dungeness crab fishery remains one of the state's most lucrative, averaging close to $45 million per year over the past five years, consistent with historical averages.
CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham stated, "Making the decision on when to open the Dungeness crab fishery is never an easy one. It requires careful consideration of the need to protect endangered species while sustaining the livelihood of California’s fishing communities." He emphasized that the current action "strikes a balance between the needs of the fishery and the needs of California’s marine species," noting that reducing the number of traps in the water is a successful management measure previously utilized.
The management of the fishery to protect whales and sea turtles has evolved into a collaborative effort among commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental groups, scientists, and agency partners. This year's fishery opener builds upon over five years of efforts, including nearly 150 meetings of the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group, more than 50 risk assessments, and aerial surveys covering over 20,000 miles of California's coast.
CDFW is also lifting the temporary recreational crab trap restriction, beginning January 2, 2025, at 8:01 a.m., from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4). A Fleet Advisory remains in effect for both the commercial and recreational fishery for all fishing zones.
