Monday, November 2, 2015

The official word: No word yet. Unofficially? Maybe later.

Possible Delay of Nov. 7, 2015 Recreational Dungeness Crab Season Opener

crab
Dungeness crab 
CDFW photo by C. Juhasz
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is cooperating with other state agencies in the collection and testing of Dungeness crab for domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin produced by microscopic marine algae, to determine if eating sport-caught crab will be safe for the public when the season opens. Serious consideration is being given to delaying the recreational fishery opener on Nov. 7, 2015, but no decision has yet been made. CDFW will issue a press release immediately with more information, once a decision has been made.

Please access one of the following sources for up-to-date information concerning recreational Dungeness crab season dates and related information:
That's the official word from CDFW. Separately, unofficially, I hear that there may have been a few high readings from some of the recently tested crabs and that the season will be delayed. There are smart people meeting Tuesday and Wednesday to figure out how they're going to handle it. It sounds like if they close Dungeness they will close the reds as well. The announcement will be on Thursday. If you have reservations at the Landing for this weekend and don't want to come if there's no crabbing, we don't blame you and we are waiving the 72 hour cancellation rule. No refunds, but you can cancel at the last minute for this weekend at no penalty.


6 comments:

  1. I'm tired of waiting. Don't they know the worst part of fishing is the wait.

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  2. I know I'm not the only one that dreams about their pots getting stuffed while they are soaking overnight.

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  3. Just got the dreaded email.
    No go. They even say the crab might not drop to safe levels later in the season.
    Life sucks

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  4. Sigh this is a very sad day. Low water levels on the rivers for salmon and now delay on the crab season. Bummer. I'm gonna keep the pots at the ready.

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  5. Imagine if you were a commercial fisherman who depended on crab to pay the bills, especially after a crappy salmon season. ...

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