Media Contact Contact an Information Officer Related News Feeds California Outdoors Q&A OSPR News Marine Region News Subscribe Subscribe to CDFW News releases via email or text.* Sign Up *Accredited media representatives should contact an Information Officer to be placed on CDFW's media list. Follow Us Follow on Twitter @CaliforniaDFW(opens in new tab) Follow on Facebook(opens in new tab) Recent News Releases Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery to Open Jan. 5 in Central California December 20, 2024 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to the U.S./Mexico border beginning Jan. 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. with pre-soak to begin on Jan. 2, 2025, at 8:01 a.m. This area (Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6) will be subject to a 50 percent trap reduction. The trap reduction is expected to reduce entanglement risk for humpback whales by decreasing the amount of gear and vertical lines in the water. California Fish and Game Commission Guards State Waters Against Golden Mussels, Extends Sturgeon Fishing Restrictions with Added Guidance December 19, 2024 The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) acted on a variety of issues affecting California’s natural resources at its Dec.11-12 meeting in Sacramento, including emergency action to list the invasive golden mussel as a restricted species. The Commission also acted to extend emergency regulations 90 days for the recreational catch-and-release white sturgeon season and added language for permitted catch handling. The public was able to participate in the meeting in person, via webinar and by phone. $1.1 Million Restoration Effort to Revitalize Mugu Lagoon Wetlands After 2011 Plane Crash December 18, 2024 A wetlands area impacted by a 2011 plane crash near Point Mugu Naval Air Station in Ventura County will undergo a series of restoration projects funded by a $1.1 million allotment from the National Pollution Funds Center. Tahoe Bears Remain Active in Fall, Winter Months December 17, 2024 The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team (TIBT) hopes this winter season brings lots of cheer, warm memories, and time for rest and relaxation. However, it is not a time to let your guard down when it comes to living in or recreating responsibly in bear country. California’s cannabis task force seizes over $19 million in illegal cannabis and products in recent operations December 11, 2024 Continuing the state’s efforts to address the illegal cannabis market, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) recently seized a combined total of more than $19 million of illegally grown cannabis and illegally manufactured cannabis products during concurrent operations in Oakland and Hayward. Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishery Open in Northern California, Continued Meat Quality and Whale Protection Delays for Commercial Fishery December 9, 2024 The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab is open in the portion of northern California that was delayed due to a public health hazard. State health agencies determined that consuming the meat of Dungeness crab taken in waters from the California/Oregon border (42° 0.00’ N latitude) to the southern boundary of the Reading Rock State Marine Reserve (41° 17.6’ N latitude) no longer poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. Fall Migration Brings the Return of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds December 6, 2024 Avian Influenza H5N1 is again circulating in susceptible wild birds in California during fall migration. California sits at the epicenter of the Pacific Flyway, one of North America’s major migratory routes that brings millions of visiting birds through the state each fall and winter. December 2024 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Calendar November 26, 2024 The December CDFW Calendar of Events is now available. Threatened Coho Salmon Return to Upper Klamath River Basin for First Time in More Than 60 Years November 22, 2024 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has seen the first returns of threatened coho salmon to the upper Klamath River Basin in more than 60 years following historic dam removal completed last month. Wildlife Conservation Board Awards $52.3 Million in Grants to 24 Habitat Conservation and Restoration Projects November 22, 2024 The Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved 24 habitat protection and restoration projects spanning 25 counties across more than 21,600 acres at its Nov. 21 quarterly meeting. One of the grants restores 67 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat at Carr Lake in the heart of the city of Salinas, providing much needed open space to a community area with limited access to parks and nature. Browse/Search Archive