Humboldt County Coast Fully Opens for Recreational Crabbing

UPDATE: The coast of Humboldt County is now fully open for recreational crabbing, as confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on January 2, 2024. This announcement follows a partial reopening in mid-December, and comes after extensive testing revealed that the risk of domoic acid exposure in local crabs has significantly decreased.

Officials report that recent lab tests indicate that crab meat from Humboldt and Mendocino Counties “no longer poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure.” This neurotoxin can be harmful or even deadly to humans if ingested, leading to severe neurological symptoms. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a health advisory recommending that crab viscera (or guts) be avoided and that crabs be thoroughly cleaned before cooking.

The coastline was previously closed to recreational crabbers due to elevated levels of the toxin, which delayed the opening in the most populated stretches of Humboldt County, while other parts of northern California were able to resume crabbing. Now, the entire northern California coast is open for recreational crabbers, bringing relief to local fishermen and seafood lovers alike.

However, crabbers should note that trap restrictions remain in effect to prevent whale entanglements. As stated by the CDFW, “Dungeness crab may currently only be taken with hoop nets, crab snares, or by hand in accordance with the declared trap prohibition in RAMP Fishing Zone 1.” These restrictions will be lifted statewide on January 2, 2024, at 8:01 a.m..

In related news, the expected commercial crab fishing season for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties has been postponed until January 15, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. The rest of the state will open on January 5, 2024, with a 40% reduction in traps to mitigate entanglement risks. This yearly delay in the commercial season is primarily due to the inability to conduct meat quality testing in areas affected by higher levels of domoic acid.

As local crabbers prepare for the season, the emotional impact of this reopening cannot be understated. For many, crabbing is not just a source of income but a cherished tradition and a vital part of community identity. The return to the water symbolizes hope and resilience for those affected by the closures.

For more information on recreational crabbing, visit https://tinyurl.com/59ydxukt.

Stay tuned for further updates as the CDFW continues to monitor the situation and provide guidance on safety regulations.