California Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Delayed Statewide Until the New Year
Pop-up Fishing Gear on Track for Approval to Prevent Whale Entanglements and Restore Spring Fishing
Press Release Date: October 24, 2025
Location: MONTEREY, CALIF.
Contact:
Ashley Blacow | email: ablacow@oceana.org | tel: 1.831.643.9220
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) announced today it will delay the statewide commercial opener of the 2025-2026 Dungeness crab season until at least January 1, 2026. The delay is required under new regulations that went into effect this week that postpone the season opener until the following year if three or more humpback whales are confirmed entangled in crab gear in a calendar year. So far four humpback whales have been confirmed entangled in California Dungeness crab gear this year. Another four humpback whales were confirmed to be entangled in unknown gear that may be California Dungeness crab gear. The determination comes as threatened and endangered whales and sea turtles are currently migrating and feeding off the California coast. The Department also announced closures to recreational crab traps in fishing zones off Northern and Central California (Zones 1, 3, and 4) based on results from recent surveys of whales and sea turtles in those areas.
Oceana’s California Campaign Director and Senior Scientist Dr. Geoff Shester had the following reaction:
“The commercial Dungeness crab season delay is the best course of action for the fishery and the whales, and it is in direct response to the high numbers of whales entangled this year. The risk that more endangered whales could become entangled in crab gear remains high, so we must redouble our efforts now. But hope is on the horizon. Following the last few years of successful pop-up gear testing, we are pleased to see the state is on track to approve this innovative, whale safe fishing gear during the spring months. Pop-up fishing gear can restore fishing opportunities while allowing whales to safely migrate and feed off our shores.”
Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a report showing a steep increase in large whale entanglements in U.S. waters. According to the data, in 2024, 95 large whales were confirmed entangled compared to 64 in 2023, and well above the historical average of around 71 per year. Waters off California ranked at the top of those nationally with the most observed whale entanglements, primarily involving threatened and endangered humpback whales.
The Department announced that new regulations updating its Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (“RAMP 2.0”) were finalized and approved on October 21, 2025 and are effective immediately. The Department anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-December to inform a possible opening of the commercial fishery after the New Year.
To learn more about Oceana’s campaign for whale safe oceans please visit www.oceana.org/WhaleSafeOceans
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
