CDFW News

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:47:49 GMT

CDFW Releases Ocean Salmon Harvest Tracking Tools

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce the launch of new digital tools to track the recreational and commercial in-season harvests of ocean salmon.

The new tools, available at CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page, will allow recreational anglers to easily track the number of salmon caught and number of salmon remaining under each regional harvest guideline. In-season management allows fishery managers to close salmon seasons early should harvest guidelines be reached.

With recreational and commercial ocean salmon fishing seasons underway, anglers may be interested in knowing how much catch has accrued, and when fisheries in each area will close.

“We’re excited to give salmon anglers the data they need to better plan their fishing seasons while at the same time leveraging technology to support in-season management and sustainable fisheries,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel.

Sport anglers can expect to see updates to the recreational catch tracker twice a month throughout the duration of the salmon season. Recreational catch estimates are calculated based on half-month sample periods, broken out into the first half and second half of each month. The recreational catch tracker will be updated following the conclusion of each sample period. Updates may become more frequent when total catch is approaching a harvest guideline. Any notices of fishery closures will be posted on the page when they are determined.

The 2026 recreational ocean salmon fishery opened in the Monterey area south of Pigeon Point (37°11’ N. Latitude) to the U.S.-Mexico border on April 11. Opening day for the California Klamath Management Zone and Fort Bragg area (from the California/Oregon Border south to Point Arena, 38° 57.5’ N. Latitude) is June 13, and the San Francisco (Point Arena to Pigeon Point) area will open June 27. Each fishing area is managed under a regional specific harvest guideline. Fishing will continue through scheduled open periods between June and August or until the harvest guideline is reached, whichever occurs first. Fishing will reopen in September for a portion of the San Francisco area and in the Monterey area under a separate fall harvest guideline.

Anglers are always advised to check for updated information when planning an ocean salmon fishing trip. Season dates, bag limits, possession rules and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information page. Public notification of any in-season change to regulations is made through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825 or the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429.

Annual state regulations for ocean salmon automatically conform to federal regulations set by NMFS using the process described in Section 1.95(b)(2), Title 14, California Code of Regulations. Federal regulations for ocean salmon fisheries off California were published in the Federal Register (91 FR 29092) on May 19, 2026, and took effect on May 16, 2026.

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Kandice Morgenstern, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 494-4621
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714 

Recreational Crab Traps Restricted in Central Management Area to Protect Whales from Entanglement while Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing Opportunities Continue

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:31:41 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced a crab trap restriction in the recreational Dungeness crab fishery (PDF) in Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino County Line, 38°46.125' N. Latitude to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude). This change, which will go into effect at 6 p.m. on May 22, 2026, is intended to minimize entanglement risk as humpback whales return to forage off the coast of California.

A crab trap restriction was implemented in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 (Pigeon Point to Point Conception, 34°27' N Latitude) on March 27, 2026. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods (including hoop nets and crab snares) is allowed through the close of the season. All open Fishing Zones remain under a Fleet Advisory for the recreational Dungeness crab fishery. CDFW also reminds all fishery participants to implement best practices as described in the Best Practices Guide (PDF).

The commercial fishery remains open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) under existing trap reductions and depth constraints. Fishing Zones 3-5 (Sonoma/Mendocino County line to Point Conception) have transitioned to use of authorized Alternative Gear (aka Pop-Up gear) through the remainder of the season.

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early June 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Commercial Dungeness Crab ‘Pop-up’ Fishing Gear Now Authorized for the Entire Central Management Area, Depth Restriction in Northern Management Area to Protect Whales from Entanglement

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:01:06 GMT

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Meghan Hertel has assessed entanglement risk under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP) and announced changes to the commercial Dungeness crab fishery (PDF) in Fishing Zones 1, 2 and 3 (California/Oregon border to Pigeon Point, 37°11' N. Latitude).

In Fishing Zone 3 (Sonoma/Mendocino County line, 38° 46.125’ N. Latitude, to Pigeon Point) the commercial fishery will close at 6 p.m. April 30, 2026, at which time the commercial take and possession of Dungeness crab from those waters is prohibited with traditional trap gear.

Director Hertel is also authorizing the use of alternative gear, or pop-up fishing gear, in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zone 3 beginning 7 a.m. May 7, 2026. This action is intended to minimize entanglement risk while continuing fishing opportunities as humpback whales return to forage off the California coast. Pop-up gear was previously authorized for use in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 on April 3, 2026. Pop-up fishing gear uses buoys and lines attached to traps, just like traditional crab traps, however the buoys and lines remain coiled on the seafloor with the traps. When a commercial fisherman is ready to retrieve their gear, a remote signal triggers the buoy to release, carrying the line to the surface and allowing for immediate retrieval.

Visit the Whale Safe Fisheries page for more information about Alternative Gear types approved for use and configurations in the conditional authorization documents.

The commercial fishery will remain open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 (California/Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino County line) under existing crab trap reductions and a 30-fathom depth restriction will be implemented effective 6 p.m. April 30, 2026. Based on historical migration data, CDFW anticipates an increase in whale abundance in the upcoming weeks. Individuals should remain vigilant and be prepared to remove gear quickly, to minimize entanglement risk in these Fishing Zones.

Pursuant to Sections 132.2(a)(2)(F) and 132.7, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels are authorized to retrieve lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict based on the following conditions:

Beginning on April 3, 2026, at 6 a.m. in Fishing Zones 4 and 5, an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict may be retrieved.
Beginning April 17, 2026, at 6 a.m., vessels or operators using or possessing& authorized Alternative Gear or otherwise participating in the Dungeness crab fishery as defined in Section 132.8(i) in Fishing Zones 4 and 5 may retrieve an unlimited number of derelict traps. If fishing in Fishing Zone 3 with authorized Alternative Gear pursuant to Section 132.8(i) only six derelict traps belonging to another may be retrieved and possessed.
Beginning on May 7, 2026, at 6 a.m. in Fishing Zone 3, an unlimited number of commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned or otherwise derelict may be retrieved.
Beginning on May 28, 2026, at 6 a.m., vessels fishing authorized Alternative Gear in Fishing Zone 3 may retrieve an unlimited number of derelict traps.
All crustaceans and finfish must be immediately returned to the water and not retained when retrieving lost, abandoned, or derelict Dungeness crab traps pursuant to the Declaration.

Permitted commercial Dungeness crab vessels retrieving gear pursuant to Section 132.2(a)(2)(D) must report their activities to LostGear@wildlife.ca.gov and LEDMarineNotifications@wildlife.ca.gov. Any vessel operating or transiting in an open Fishing Zone may not possess more than six traps belonging to another vessel, pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 132.2(a)(2)(A).

CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in early May 2026. For more information related to the risk assessment process or trap gear retrieval, visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page. For more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, visit wildlife.ca.gov/crab.

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Media Contacts:
Ryan Bartling, CDFW Marine Region, (415) 238-2638
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714

Ocean Salmon Fishing Comeback Continues

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:23:08 GMT

Commercial Fishing Returns After 3-Year Closure; Recreational Anglers to See More Open Days in 2026

Significant improvements in key California salmon populations -- specifically Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and Klamath River fall-run Chinook -- will allow for more ocean salmon fishing opportunities this year. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is pleased to announce that commercial ocean salmon fishing is back after being closed three straight years and that recreational ocean salmon anglers will have more opportunities in 2026.

“Seeing our salmon populations recover is incredibly heartening and demonstrates what’s possible when we all work together -- state and federal partners, tribes, sport anglers and commercial fishing interests, NGOs and others – to do what’s best for salmon,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “Salmon are part of the cultural fabric of California, and I’m delighted more Californians will have the opportunity to enjoy these magnificent fish whether that’s in the water, on the end of their fishing lines or on their dinner plates.”

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) finalized its recommendations for California’s recreational and commercial ocean salmon seasons and harvest limits at its April 7-12 meeting in Portland, Ore. The PFMC will forward its recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which will implement them into federal regulations. A summary of the recreational season dates, locations and harvest guidelines are available at CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page.

“The health of our salmon populations fluctuates with environmental conditions, and we’ve seen just how vulnerable these fish are to recent droughts, changing river conditions and a warming climate,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “This year’s return of ocean salmon fishing is an encouraging sign as we advance California’s long-term, science-based Salmon Strategy. Together with a range of partners, we’re restoring habitat, removing barriers, improving flow and reconnecting rivers to give salmon a better chance to survive in all conditions. This work is about balance -- making improvements and modernizing water management to help nature thrive and our communities prosper.”

California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future, put into action beginning in 2024, is laying the groundwork for California to restore and rebuild salmon populations. State agencies, tribes and other partners are making significant progress in achieving goals that include restoring and expanding habitat for salmon spawning and rearing, removing barriers and updating infrastructure for salmon migration. California has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years to support salmon throughout their various life stages.

More open fishing days come as welcome news following complete closure of recreational ocean salmon fisheries in 2023 and 2024, and only six open days in 2025.

In 2026, CDFW will implement in-season management in both commercial and recreational fisheries to ensure catch of rebounding salmon stocks does not exceed seasonal harvest guidelines. This is the first year of vessel-based trip limits and seasonal harvest guidelines for California’s commercial salmon fishery following the first use of an in-season management framework during California’s limited recreational ocean season in 2025. In-season management allows fishery managers to close salmon seasons early should harvest guidelines be reached.

In-season monitoring to actively manage commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries to align with harvest guidelines is identified as a priority action item in the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future.

Sport anglers are advised to check for updated information when planning a salmon fishing trip. Season dates, harvest guidelines/catch limits, bag/possession, vessel limit information and gear restrictions can be found on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon Fishery Information web page or by calling the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429. Public notification of any in-season change to conform state regulations to federal regulations is made through the NMFS ocean salmon hotline at (800) 662-9825.

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Media Contacts:
Steve Gonzalez, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714   
Chester Lindley, CDFW Marine Region, (707) 951-4083  

CDFW Finds Starvation to be Primary Cause of Increased Mortalities in California Seabirds

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:22:24 GMT

Increase in Seabird Deaths Not Linked to Avian Influenza

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has been investigating increased reports of debilitated and dead seabirds on California beaches. Of the birds examined, nearly all have been younger birds that are emaciated, sometimes with opportunistic fungal respiratory infection and/or heavy parasitism, or with secondary injuries.

CDFW began receiving reports last fall initially involving Brandt’s cormorants and common murres and have more recently included California brown pelicans along California’s central and southern coasts, roughly Mendocino County south to San Diego County. Additionally, many wildlife rehabilitation facilities have been admitting increased numbers of debilitated cormorants, murres and pelicans.

Avian influenza has not been detected in the 33 Brandt’s cormorants examined to-date by CDFW. Partners have tested an additional 22 cormorants with preliminary detections of avian influenza in only two cormorants collected in early January from San Francisco County. Avian influenza has not been detected in the roughly 34 common murres tested by CDFW and partners. Preliminary detections of avian influenza have been made in only four murres, two collected from San Mateo County in January and February, and two collected in early March from Marin and Santa Cruz counties, respectively. Testing is ongoing for additional birds collected in recent weeks.

Avian influenza H5N1 was first detected in California wild birds in July 2022. Since then, avian influenza activity in wild birds has typically increased during fall migration and winter and then decreased during spring migration and summer. Although avian influenza H5N1 was recently detected in marine mammals along coastal San Mateo County, this current seabird mortality appears to be largely unrelated to avian influenza activity.

Brandt’s cormorants, common murres, and brown pelicans breed on offshore rocks and islands along the coast. Seabird researchers have reported that 2025 was an unusually good reproductive year for these species. An increase in reproduction is often followed by high juvenile mortality. Young seabirds are typically less experienced at catching prey and are less resilient to changes in food resource availability and adverse weather such as severe wind or winter storms.

Wildlife officials will continue to monitor impacted seabirds from affected areas to better determine if other factors begin to contribute to the seabird mortality. For example, Brandt’s cormorants are sometimes impacted by a parasitic infection called Sarcocystis calchasi, and seabirds and marine mammals are periodically impacted by harmful algal blooms like domoic acid.

Officials ask the public not to touch, harass, attempt to feed or take photographs with debilitated seabirds. Do not attempt to remove any fishing lines or embedded fishing hooks from entangled birds.

How Can the Public Help?

Report stranded seabirds:

Call your local wildlife rehabilitation facility

Report dead seabirds:

Residents can report dead wildlife to CDFW’s Wildlife Health Laboratory using the mortality reporting form, which helps biologists monitor the event. Please include photos if possible.

Support a local wildlife rehabilitation facility:

Contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility intaking seabirds directly for how best to assist.

Report marine mammals:

To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal in California, call the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: (866) 767-6114. Information on species and regional stranding contacts may be found on the NOAA Fisheries website.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Krysta Rogers, CDFW Wildlife Branch, (916) 358-2790