California Ends Dungeness Crab Season Early to Protect Whales

The commercial Dungeness crab season in California will conclude on April 8, following state efforts to reduce humpback whale entanglements.

California's Department of Fish and Wildlife has ordered an early end to the commercial Dungeness crab season on April 8 to protect migrating humpback whales from entanglement in fishing gear.
The closure affects Zones 3, 4, and 5, spanning from the Sonoma/Mendocino county border to Point Conception in Santa Barbara County, with certain northern areas allowed to continue under depth restrictions.
This decision follows consultations with the fishing industry, environmental organizations, and scientists, aiming to minimize the risk to wildlife.
The move marks another year of delays and early closures for the crabbing season, which has faced similar issues since 2015 due to whale entanglements and environmental concerns.
Conservation groups have praised the decision for Central and Southern California but express concern for the continued fishing in northern regions.