November 21, 2024 — For California’s Dungeness crab fleet, waiting has become a routine part of the season. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will decide on November 21 whether the commercial season can begin on December 1 or be postponed again to reduce risks of whale entanglement. According to Lookout Santa Cruz news, This precaution has been in place for the past six years due to increased numbers of humpback whales migrating along the coast during crab season.
In October, CDFW already delayed the traditional mid-November opening after initial assessments showed a high presence of humpbacks. The whales, which are protected under federal law, are at risk of becoming entangled in crab fishing gear, leading to stringent regulations. A second assessment will determine whether risks have diminished enough for the season to begin. If deemed too risky, another evaluation will occur between December 20 and 22 to consider a late-December start.