SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The start of the commercial Dungeness crab season in California has been delayed for the sixth year in a row to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in trap and buoy lines.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said commercial crabbing will be delayed until at least Dec. 1.
It’s the latest delay for the start of the commercial season, which traditionally begins in mid-November for waters between the Mendocino county line and the border with Mexico.
The recreational take of Dungeness crab using traps will be temporarily restricted in some areas when the recreational season opens Nov. 4, officials said.
Political Cartoons View All 1223 ImagesThe commercial crab industry is one of California’s major fisheries and the shellfish is especially popular around the holidays.
Persons:
”, Charlton H, Bonham
Organizations:
FRANCISCO, of Fish, Wildlife, Mexico’s
Locations:
California, Mendocino, Mexico, Bodega Bay, Monterey, Mexico’s Baja California