The already-shortened 2022-2023 Dungeness crab season in the Bay Area and central California will come to an end in two weeks.
California Fish and Wildlife Department officials on Thursday ordered an April 15 close to the commercial season to minimize the risk of humpback whales becoming entangled in fishing gear as they return to forage off the California coast. The decision was made in consultation with representatives of the fishing industry, environmental organizations and scientists.
The order applies to the fishing zones from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the Mexican border, and goes into effect at noon April 15. For the time being, crabbing will still be allowed in the