Recreational Crab Season’s Patchwork Starts on November 1st, 2025 Due to Domoic Acid; Commercial Delayed in All Zones Due to Whale and Turtle Entanglements

PRESS RELEASE. From the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on October 30th, 2025

The much-anticipated opening of the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab seasons will once again be affected by changes in the ocean environment this year. A patchwork of open and closed areas in California’s nearshore waters will protect the public from domoic acid toxins in crab meat and protect sea turtles and migrating whales from the risk of entanglement in crab trap ropes and buoys. 

Recreational Dungeness Crab Season 

The recreational Dungeness crab season will begin Nov. 1, 2025. However, from the California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (38° 46.125’ N latitude), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has delayed the opening following the recommendation of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The delay is due to a significant threat to public health from high levels of domoic acid currently present in crab meat and viscera (internal organs, or guts). Recreational take and/or possession of Dungeness crab is prohibited in these closed waters.   

The Dungeness crab season will open south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (located near the coastal town of Gualala) on November 1. However, state health agencies are advising the public not to consume crab viscera from Dungeness crab caught between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Point Reyes (37° 59.73’ N latitude) to avoid potential domoic acid exposure. At low levels, domoic acid can cause nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures, and can in some cases be fatal.  

Additionally, crab traps may not be set or used between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (36° N latitude) (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) due to the presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement in recreational crab traps. Hoop nets, crab snares, and other legal methods of take may still be used during the temporary trap restriction in this area.  

A Fleet Advisory has also been issued for recreational crabbers in all Fishing Zones. Crabbers are reminded that all hoop nets must be serviced every two hours and cannot be left unattended for longer periods. No gear should be set in areas where whales are present.  

The northern California recreational fishery will remain closed until the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and CDPH determine that domoic acid no longer poses a significant risk to public health, and the CDFW Director opens the fishery. 

Author: mdrag

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