Recreational Crab Fishery Opens Along Entire Humboldt Coast

State health and fisheries officials lifted the last domoic acid-related closure of the recreational Dungeness crab fishery in Humboldt County on Dec. 31, 2025, opening waters from the southern boundary of the Reading Rock Marine Protected Areas (41° 17.6’ N. latitude) to Cape Mendocino (40° 10.0’ N. latitude). The reopening follows testing that cleared crab meat for consumption, though the California Department of Public Health issued a health advisory: do not eat crab viscera and thoroughly clean crab prior to cooking.

Acting Director Valerie Termini of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife declared the recreational fishery open in the previously delayed area. Because of ongoing concern about whale entanglements in trap buoy lines, the reopening initially retained a declared trap prohibition in RAMP Fishing Zone 1. Under that prohibition, recreational take was limited to hoop nets, crab snares, or by hand. The trap restriction was lifted at 8:01 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2026, allowing all recreational gear types statewide.

Commercial operations face a different timetable. The Central Management Area commercial season is scheduled to open on Jan. 5, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. under a 40 percent trap reduction intended to lower the number of vertical lines in the water and reduce humpback whale entanglement risk. The Northern Management Area, which includes Humboldt County waters from the California/Oregon border (42° N. latitude) to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line (38°46.125’ N. latitude), remains delayed because meat quality testing could not be completed due to elevated domoic acid. Pending laboratory results, that commercial season is slated to open on Jan. 15, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. with a 15 percent trap reduction.

The mixed timing of recreational and commercial openings carries immediate local implications. Recreational harvesters along the coast regain access to crab beds for the New Year season, but must follow the public health guidance to avoid viscera and clean catches. Commercial fishers and shore-side businesses that rely on early-season landings continue to face uncertainty, with reduced trap allocations and delayed sales until meat quality testing clears Northern waters.

The measures reflect a balancing act between public health, economic activity, and marine mammal protection. Reductions in traps and temporary gear limits aim to decrease entanglement risk for protected whales, while domoic acid monitoring seeks to protect consumers from harmful algal toxin exposure. For updated guidance on safety and management, visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page and the Invertebrates of Interest: Crabs page.