California Dungeness Crab Season Delayed Yet Again
November 26, 2024 | 1 min to read
In Monterey, California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced a delay in the season opener for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery along the central and southern coasts due to a significant number of whales entangled in crab fishing ropes. This decision is also influenced by data indicating a high concentration of whales in the area, as entanglements often lead to severe injuries and are fatal in 75% of cases, according to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
MONTEREY, Calif. — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced it will further delay the season opener for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery off the central and southern coasts.
The decision is based on the high number of whales recently tangled in crab fishing ropes, and also data that shows that a large number of whales are in the area.
Crab fishing ropes dig into whales’ skin, fins and mouth, and drag whales down. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, 75% of whale entanglements with fishing ropes are fatal.
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