California delays commercial Dungeness crab season to protect whales

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has delayed the commercial Dungeness crab season until at least January 1, 2027. The decision affects the coastline stretching from the Oregon border to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County.

Officials cited the need to protect humpback whales following reports of multiple entanglements in commercial crab gear during 2026. Department Director Meghan Hertel stated that the delay aims to reduce the possibility of additional entanglements and allow whales to migrate out of the area before the fishery opens.

While the commercial season is postponed, the recreational season is scheduled to begin on November 7 in most areas. However, recreational crabbers are prohibited from using crab traps until at least January 1. Regulations allow for the use of hoop nets and crab snares, provided hoop nets are serviced at least every two hours.

Additionally, a portion of the fishery between Cape Mendocino and the Ten-Mile State Marine Reserve remains closed due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid, a neurotoxin caused by algal blooms found in collected crabs.