CDFW Announces Postponement of North Coast Recreational Crabbing Season

EUREKA, California – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced a delay to recreational Dungeness crab fishing in parts of the North Coast.

They say the season, which opens Saturday, Nov. 2, along much of the coast, will not open in state waters from the California-Oregon state line south to the southern border of Reading Rock State Marine Sanctuary in Humboldt County.

CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham ordered the delay after state health agencies found that Dungeness crab in the area had unhealthy levels of domoic acid and recommended it.

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in shellfish and other marine life. They say at low levels it can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in people. At higher levels it can cause memory loss, seizures and in some cases death.

The department says the season postponement will remain in effect until a state health official determines that domoic acid no longer poses a risk to the public. The results of the sampling will determine whether the deferment remains in place, they said. If it is determined that the delay should be changed or cancelled, they promise to notify the public as soon as possible. CDFW officials will notify the California Fish and Game Commission and request public comment at the next commission meeting if further delays are required.

CDFW says the latest information on the current fishing season closure will be updated on their website with fishing closure and health advisories. Dungeness crab health advisories and consumption warnings can be found on the California Department of Public Health shellfish advisories webpage.