April 4, 2025 — In an effort to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in fishing gear, state officials on Thursday announced that commercial Dungeness crab fishing would be closed later this month along the California coast south of San Mateo County.
When the whales, which are now returning to forage off California coasts, become entangled in crab fishing gear that can hinder their ability to swim and feed. Dragging gear can result in injuries, drowning and starvation, according to wildlife officials.