California Announces Staggered Opening Dates for 2024 Dungeness Crab Season

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The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the opening schedule for the 2024 commercial Dungeness crab fishing season, with different dates and trap restrictions across fishing zones.

For the Northern Management Area, spanning from the California-Oregon border to the Sonoma-Mendocino County line (Zones 1 and 2), fishing will begin at 12:01 a.m. on January 15. These zones will operate under a 25 percent trap reduction measure. Fishers can start their pre-soak period at 8:01 a.m. on January 12.

The southern regions from the Sonoma-Mendocino County line to the U.S.-Mexico border (Zones 3-6) will open earlier, starting at 12:01 a.m. on January 5, with pre-soak beginning at 8:01 a.m. on January 2. These areas will face a stricter 50 percent trap reduction.

The trap reductions aim to protect humpback whales by limiting the number of vertical fishing lines in the water. This management approach reflects ongoing efforts to balance marine wildlife protection with the needs of California's fishing industry.

CDFW Director Charlton Bonham emphasized the complexity of timing these openings, noting the need to protect endangered species while supporting fishing communities. The California Dungeness crab fishery remains economically valuable, averaging $45 million annually over the past five years.

The decision follows extensive collaboration between fishermen, environmental groups, scientists, and agency partners. However, some environmental organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity, express concerns about potential impacts on marine wildlife even with delayed openings.

Under fair start provisions, vessels that have participated in other commercial Dungeness crab fishing areas, including Oregon and Washington, must wait 30 days before joining newly opened zones.

The state has invested over $6 million in addressing entanglement risks, funding electronic monitoring units, gear marking programs, and alternative gear testing to protect marine life while maintaining this traditional fishery.