December 19, 2013 — The strike by crab fishermen ended last Thursday, Dec. 12, after an 11-day standoff. Fishermen wanted $3 per pound while processors wanted to pay $2.50 per pound. They ended up at a price of $2.65 per pound. Some crab fishermen say they wish they had stayed in Noyo Harbor, with several reporting poor catches.
Dungeness crab was among the three most valuable commercial fisheries in California in seven of the last 10 years. The fishery is undergoing changes, following several studies that found that crab fishing could be much more sustainable if managed differently. In fact, scientists believe crab populations are among the most resilient of seafoods at a time when key food fishes like tuna and salmon face peril.
The current system of crab fishing on the Pacific Coast features a big rush into the water by too many pots, studies have found. A longer, smaller, slower take, such as that small boat fishermen have always done, might be much better for the crab in the long run.
The recreational and commercial crab seasons run until July.
Read the full story at the Fort Bragg Advocate-News