California commercial Dungeness crab season cut short amid whale entanglement concerns

California commercial crab season has been cut short this year off Central California to prevent whale entanglements, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Commercial Dungeness Crab season usually kicks off in November and concludes its season on June 30.

This year’s season got a late start, with three delays due to continued whale entanglement concerns. Now CDFW will end the season earlier than expected after assessing potential risk for humpback whales.

According to the CDFW, historical migration points to the humpback whales’ arrival in the coming weeks, which has prompted its decision.

“This action is needed to avoid entanglements during the same period that occurred last season,” stated the CDFW press release.

Here’s what to know as Dungeness crab fishing season comes to a close:

When will the season end?

The 2023 commercial Dungeness crab fishing season is scheduled to close April 15 at noon, off the Central California coast, according to CDFW.

Fishing zone breakdown

Commercial fishing zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 are scheduled to close April 15. The zones run from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and down to the U.S. Mexico border.

Recreational fishing will remain open north of Point Arguello in Santa Barbara County, but may also see future trap restrictions when whales return in the spring and summer.

Fishing zones 1 through 6 will remain in a fleet advisory for both commercial and recreational fishing, according CDFW.

This story was originally published April 3, 2023 at 12:10 PM with the headline "California commercial Dungeness crab season cut short amid whale entanglement concerns."