Again this year, California officials are delaying the state’s commercial Dungeness crab season because of the “numerous reports” throughout 2025 of migrating humpback whales getting ensnared by old crab-pot fishing lines and other gear.

The upcoming season normally would start Nov. 15 in coastal waters from the Oregon state line to the Mexican border.

Recreational crabbers will be allowed to begin their season — with restrictions — in many parts of the state. However, a toxin found in Northern California waters will put postpone fishing there.

The decisions came down Friday afternoon from Charlton H. Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and were made in consultation with representatives of the fishing industry, environmental organizations and scientists.

See Full Page