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Whale Safe Fisheries

humpback whale fluke; Dungeness crabs; aerial photo of Farallon Islands; stack of Dungeness crab traps

Confirmed large whale entanglements off the U.S. West Coast increased during the 2014-2018 Large Marine Heatwave event. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has taken several steps to better understand and address the causes of whale entanglements. For more details on management of the commercial and recreational crab fisheries, visit CDFW’s crab fishery webpage.

Check this page regularly for updates on CDFW's Whale Safe Fisheries efforts, including recent risk assessments, Conservation Plan developments, and upcoming opportunities for public involvement. You may also sign up to receive important updates.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP)

RAMP was piloted by the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group (Working Group) and codified in regulation on November 1, 2020. On a regular basis during the Dungeness crab season, CDFW assesses marine life entanglement risk for humpback whales, blue whales, and leatherback sea turtles based on the best available science related to confirmed entanglements and marine life concentrations. Marine life concentrations are monitored primarily through aerial and vessel surveys, as well as satellite telemetry conducted by CDFW and other partners.

When risk is elevated, CDFW consults with the Working Group to review other available information prior to implementing a management action. Potential actions include:

  • Fleet advisories
  • Fishing depth constraints
  • Vertical line/trap gear reductions
  • Fishery closures
  • Use of approved Alternative Gear (for closures after April 1)

All documents related to the risk assessments, including Available Data under consideration by CDFW and the Working Group, will be posted on this web page.

CDFW conducts Risk Assessments and applies Management Actions at the Fishing Zone level. Latitudinal boundaries for each Fishing Zone are as follows and shown in the map below. All Fishing Zones extend to 200 nautical miles offshore.

  • Zone 1: From the California/Oregon border (42° N. latitude) to Cape Mendocino (40° 10' N. latitude)
  • Zone 2: From Cape Mendocino to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line (38° 46.125' N. latitude)
  • Zone 3: From Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Pigeon Point (37° 11' N. latitude)
  • Zone 4: From Pigeon Point to Lopez Point (36° N. latitude)
  • Zone 5: From Lopez Point to Point Conception (34° 27 N. latitude)
  • Zone 6: From Point Conception to the U.S./Mexico Border
  • Zone 7*: “Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle Foraging Area” from Point Arena (38° 57.5' N. latitude) to Point Pinos (36° 38.314' N. latitude) *not included in map
Map showing latitudinal boundaries of RAMP Fishing Zones 1-6 - click to enlarge in new window
(click to enlarge)

2024-25 Season

November 15, 2024

CDFW has compiled available information and prepared a Preliminary Assessment and Available Data Document in advance of the Working Group’s meeting on November 19, 2024.

October 25, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on October 25, 2024, and delayed the opening of the Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 3-6, implemented a recreational crab trap prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, and issued a Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 1-6 for the recreational fishery.

2023-24 Season

June 13, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on June 13, 2024, and is continuing the 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery and the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3, 4, and 5 for the recreational fishery through the end of the statutory season. The Depth Constraint and Crab Trap Prohibition went into effect on April 8, 2024, at 6:00pm. A Fleet Advisory would be maintained for all open Fishing Zones for both the commercial and recreational fisheries.

May 16, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 16, 2024, and is continuing the 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery and the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3, 4, and 5 for the recreational fishery. The Depth Constraint and Crab Trap Prohibition went into effect on April 8, 2024, at 6:00pm. A Fleet Advisory would be maintained for all open Fishing Zones for both the commercial and recreational fisheries.

May 2, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 2, 2024, and is continuing the 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery and the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3, 4, and 5 for the recreational fishery. The Depth Constraint and Crab Trap Prohibition went into effect on April 8, 2024, at 6:00pm. A Fleet Advisory would be maintained for all open Fishing Zones for both the commercial and recreational fisheries.

April 17, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 17, 2024, and is continuing the 30-Fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2 for the commercial fishery and the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 3, 4, and 5 for the recreational fishery. The Depth Constraint and Crab Trap Prohibition went into effect on April 8, 2024, at 6:00pm. A Fleet Advisory would be maintained for all open Fishing Zones for both the commercial and recreational fisheries.

March 28, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 28, 2024, and is implementing a Season Closure for the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 and a 30-fathom Depth Constraint in Fishing Zones 1-2, effective on April 8, 2024, at 6:00 pm. The take and possession of Dungeness crab will be prohibited after 6:00 pm on April 8, 2024, in Fishing Zones that have been closed for the remainder of the statutory season. A Crab Trap Prohibition for the recreational fishery in Fishing Zones 3, 4 and 5 will also take effect on April 8, 2024, at 6:00 pm.

March 13, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 13, 2024 and is continuing the 50 percent Gear Reduction in the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 and continuing the Fleet Advisory for both the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries.

February 15, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on February 15, 2024, and is continuing the 50 percent Gear Reduction in the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 and continuing the Fleet Advisory for both the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries.

January 11, 2024

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on January 11, 2024, and announced the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 on January 18, 2024, at 12:01am (gear setting period to begin on Jan. 15, 2024, at 8:00 am) with a 50% Gear Reduction and under a Fleet Advisory. Please see the 2023-24 Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishery Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the fishing season.

The recreational crab trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 will also be lifted effective 8:00 am on January 12, 2024. The Fleet Advisory for the recreational fleet in all Fishing Zones remains in effect.

December 20, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 20, 2023, and announced the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 on January 5, 2024, at 12:01am (gear setting period to begin on Jan. 2, 2024, at 8:01 am) under a Fleet Advisory, and will be delayed in in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 until at least the next risk assessment. The recreational crab trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 will continue until at least the next risk assessment. The Fleet Advisory for the recreational fleet in Fishing Zones 1-6 remains in effect.

December 7, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 7, 2023, and delayed opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in all Fishing Zones (1-6). The recreational trap prohibition in Fishing Zone 1 will be lifted effective 8:00am on December 16, 2023, however the trap prohibitions in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 will continue until at least the next assessment in late December.

November 17, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on November 17, 2023 and delayed opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 1-6. A recreational trap prohibition was also expanded and now includes Fishing Zones 1, 3 and 4. The recreational trap prohibition for Fishing Zone 1 will go into effect on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. The trap prohibitions for Zone 1, 3 and 4 will continue until at least the next assessment in early December.  

October 27, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on October 27, 2023 and delayed the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 3-6, implemented a recreational trap prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4, and issued a recreational Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6.


 

2022-23 Season

June 22, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on June 22, 2023 and is continuing the management actions currently in place for the commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 remain open for commercial fishing under a Fleet Advisory and 30-fathom depth restriction. The recreational fishery remains open statewide, with a trap prohibition in place for Fishing Zones 3-6. These management actions will remain in place until the commercial fishery closure on July 15, 2023 and the recreational fishery closure on July 30, 2023 in Zones 1 and 2. The commercial fishery closed on April 15, 2023 and the recreational fishery will close on June 30, 2023 in Zones 3-6. 

May 31, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 31, 2023 and is continuing the management actions currently in place for the commercial and recreational fisheries. Fishing Zones 1 and 2 remain open for commercial fishing under a Fleet Advisory and 30-fathom depth restriction. The recreational fishery remains open statewide, with a trap prohibition in place for Fishing Zones 3-6.

May 2, 2023

Director Bonham implemented a 30-fathom depth constraint in Zones 1 and 2 effective May 15, 2023 at 12:00pm. Recreational crab traps will also be prohibited for Zones 3-6 in the recreational fishery effective May 15, 2023 12:00pm. A statewide Fleet Advisory will remain in place through the close of the season in both fisheries. 

March 30, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 30, 2023 and closed the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 effective April 15, 2023 at 12:00pm (noon). A statewide Fleet Advisory was continued for Fishing Zones 1-6.

March 16, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 16, 2023 and is continuing the Fleet Advisory for the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries statewide.

February 15, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on February 15, 2023 and is continuing the Fleet Advisory for the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries. 

January 11, 2023

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on January 11, 2023 and is lifting the recreational trap restriction currently in place and issuing a Fleet Advisory for Fishing Zones 3-6 as of 8:01am on January 14, 2023. The Director is also continuing the Fleet Advisory currently in place for the commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6, and will lift the commercial gear reduction currently in place for Fishing Zones 3-6 as of 8:01am on January 15, 2023.

December 22, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 22, 2022 and continued the recreational trap restriction currently in place for Fishing Zones 3-6. The commercial fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 will open at 12:01am on December 31, 2022 under a Fleet Advisory and 50% gear reduction. Additional details regarding operations of the commercial fishery can be found in the Director’s Declaration below.

December 7, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 7, 2022 and continued the recreational trap restriction and commercial season delay currently in place for Fishing Zones 3-6. Management actions for these Fishing Zones will be evaluated during the next risk assessment, which is expected to occur on or before December 22, 2022.

November 21, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on November 21, 2022 and continued the recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zones 1 and 2 until 9am on November 28, 2022, and in Fishing Zones 3-6 until the next risk assessment. The Director also continued the delay of the commercial Dungeness crab season Fishing Zones 3-6 until at least December 16, 2022. Management actions for Fishing Zones 3-6 will be evaluated during the next risk assessment, which is expected to occur on or before December 7, 2022.

October 28, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on October 28, 2022 and delayed the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 3-6, and implemented a statewide recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zones 1-6.

2021-22 Season

April 13, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 13, 2022 and restricted the use of crab traps statewide for the remainder of the Dungeness crab season. The restriction applies to all crab traps regardless of target species.

April 6, 2022 

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 6, 2022 and closed the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 1 and 2, effective April 20, 2022 at 12:00pm (noon).  

March 25, 2022 

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 25, 2022 and closed the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 effective April 8, 2022 at 12:00pm (noon). A Fleet Advisory was continued for Zones 1 and 2. 

March 14, 2022 

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 14, 2022 and continued the statewide Fleet Advisory for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

February 17, 2022 

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on February 17, 2022 and implemented a statewide Fleet Advisory for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

January 18, 2022

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on January 18, 2022 and lifted the Fleet Advisories currently in place for the recreational and commercial fisheries.

December 15, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 15, 2021. In Fishing Zone 3, recreational use of traps can begin at 9 am on December 17, 2021 and the commercial fishery will open on December 29, 2021, with a pre-soak period to begin at 8:01 am on December 26, 2021. In Fishing Zone 4, the commercial fishery Depth Constraint will be lifted at 8:01 am on December 26, 2021.

December 9, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on December 9, 2021 and continued the delay of the commercial fishery as well as the recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zone 3. The recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zone 4 will be lifted on December 10, 2021 and the commercial fishery in Fishing Zone 4 will open on December 16, 2021 under a Depth Constraint and Fleet Advisory.

November 19, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on November 19, 2021 and continued the delay of the commercial fishery as well as the recreational trap restriction in Fishing Zones 3 and 4. A Fleet Advisory was also in place for Fishing Zones 1, 2, 5 and 6 for both fisheries.

November 1, 2021

The CDFW Director temporarily restricted the use of recreational crab traps in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 and delayed the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3 and 4. 

2020-21 Season

May 18, 2021

The Director announced a closure of commercial Dungeness crab fishery statewide beginning at noon on June 1, 2021. 

May 3, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on May 3, 2021 and is implementing a Depth Constraint, constraining the fishing to waters 30 fathoms and shallower for Fishing Zones 1 and 2. The Director is also maintaining a state-wide Fleet Advisory for all Zones (1-6).

April 14, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 14, 2021 and is maintaining a state-wide Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones (1-6).

April 1, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on April 1, 2021 and is maintaining a state-wide Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones (1-6).

March 17, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on March 17, 2021 and issued a state-wide Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones (1-6).

February 18, 2021

The Director of CDFW conducted a risk assessment on February 18, 2021, no Management Action was required under the RAMP regulations.

January 15, 2021

CDFW lifted the Fleet Advisory for all Fishing Zones.

December 11, 2020

CDFW further delayed the start of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in the Central and Northern Management Areas (Fishing Zones 1-6) until December 23, 2020.

November 24, 2020

CDFW further delayed the start of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in the Central Management Area (Fishing Zones 3-6).

November 4, 2020

CDFW delayed the scheduled November 15 start to the commercial Dungeness crab fishery in the Central Management Area (Fishing Zones 3-6).

2019-20 Season

Prior Seasons

For information or documentation regarding prior seasons, please contact WhaleSafeFisheries@Wildlife.ca.gov.

Working Group

In partnership with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the California Ocean Protection Council, CDFW convened the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group (Working Group) in September 2015. The Working Group is comprised of commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental organization representatives, members of the disentanglement network, and state and federal agencies working to develop and implement innovative approaches to reducing marine life entanglement risk while supporting a thriving Dungeness crab fishery.

Materials related to Working Group risk assessment and management consideration meetings beginning with the 2019-20 fishing season can be found on the Risk Assessment & Mitigation tab. Archived agendas, meeting summaries, recommendation memos, public comments, and other documents related to Working Group operations are available by contacting the Whale Safe Fisheries team.

Conservation Plan

CDFW is seeking an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery under Section 10 of the federal Endangered Species Act. As part of this process, CDFW has developed several drafts of the proposed Conservation Plan (CP) which describes a comprehensive strategy to avoid, monitor, and minimize impacts of humpback whale, blue whale and leatherback sea turtle entanglements in California commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear. The analysis and drafting has been informed by guidance from the Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and feedback from Tribes and stakeholders. 

CDFW has released two public drafts of the CP, one on May 15, 2020, and one on December 1, 2021.  Public input on prior drafts has been incorporated as appropriate. On January 26, 2024, CDFW submitted a revised draft CP to NMFS requesting a final courtesy review and completeness check. This is being done prior to formal submission of the CP as part of the ITP application process to ensure all elements required have been included. 

CDFW is posting this draft as a courtesy and is not accepting additional public comments at this time.

CDFW is preparing to submit the final draft CP to NMFS in early 2024. Upon acceptance of the ITP application, the National Marine Fisheries Service will initiate a public review process under the federal Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act, which will include opportunities for public comment.  

Rulemakings

Sign up for the Whale Safe Fisheries email list to receive future updates. 

Current rulemakings

Past rulemakings

Gear Retrieval

Emergency regulations have expanded retrieval of lost or abandoned traps pursuant to Section 132.2(a) after the close of the commercial Dungeness crab season. The emergency regulations were extended 90-days via readoption September 2024. CDFW is proposing to make these emergency regulations permanent effective in March 2025.
            A virtual public hearing is scheduled: 
           Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
           Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
           Location: Teleconference and Webinar 
           Microsoft Teams Meeting: 
                          Meeting ID: 257 059 785 632 
                          Passcode: ubr9iE 
            Dial in by phone 
                         +1 916-535-0984,,852409348# United States, Fair Oaks 
                         Find a local number 
                         Phone conference ID: 852 409 348#
 

There are two sets of regulations allowing for retrieval of lost or abandoned commercial Dungeness crab traps. Key differences are summarized in the table below.

Comparison between retrieving lost or abandoned commercial Dungeness crab gear under Sections 132.2 vs 132.7, Title 14, CCR.
Item Informal Retrieval (Section 132.2(a)) Formal Program (Section 132.7)
Permit required from CDFW No Yes
Unlimited gear recovery period July 16 - Oct 31 and as authorized by the Director when implementing RAMP closures 15 days after scheduled season closure (or as authorized by the Director) and until Sept 30
Documentation requirement On retrieving vessel's log On DFW 1059 logbook form
Who owns retrieved gear Dungeness crab permit holder Retrieval Permittee
Required to contact Dungeness crab permit holder No Yes, within 7 days
Payment for returning retrieved gear Voluntary, by Dungeness crab permit holder Yes, by Dungeness crab permit holder or CDFW

Informal Retrieval (Section 132.2(a), Title 14)

Under emergency regulations approved in March 2024, permitted Dungeness crab vessels may retrieve commercial Dungeness crab traps which are lost, damaged, abandoned, or otherwise derelict as follows:

  • At any time: Up to 6 traps per trip
  • As authorized by the Director when implementing a RAMP closure: Unlimited number of traps
  • July 16 – October 31: Unlimited number of traps

You must document all retrieved traps in your vessel log, and you are not entitled to compensation when returning retrieved traps to their owner. Please report trap retrieval to WhaleSafeFisheries@wildlife.ca.gov to help CDFW track effectiveness of the emergency regulations. View a flyer with more information.

Trap Gear Retrieval Program (Section 132.7, Title 14)

The CDFW Trap Gear Retrieval Program allows for retrieval of lost or abandoned commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear following the close of the commercial season. Qualified entities (charitable organizations, sport or commercial fishing associations, local government agencies, and harbor districts) can apply for a Lost or Abandoned Commercial Dungeness Crab Trap Gear Retrieval Permit. Under the program, Retrieval Permittees are entitled to compensation from the responsible Dungeness crab vessel permitholder in exchange for return of the retrieved gear. If compensation is not provided, CDFW issues a payment to the Retrieval Permittee and assesses the Department Trap Fee on a per-trap basis. Dungeness crab vessel permitholders must pay the Department Trap Fee prior to renewing or transferring their permit. Watch a short video overview. Permit Application, Permit Amendment, and Logbook forms are available on CDFW's Commercial Fishing Licenses page.

CDFW has prepared several reference materials for program participants:

Additional information about this program is available on CDFW's regulations page or by contacting WhaleSafeFisheries@wildlife.ca.gov.

Annual summaries of gear retrieval efforts are available from 2020 on:

Gear Innovation

CDFW supports development and testing of fishing gear modifications and innovations aimed at reducing the risk of entanglement with Dungeness crab fishing gear and has identified two main pathways for testing and use of innovative fishing gear: testing under an Experimental Fishing Permit (EFP) and seeking authorization as Alternative Gear under the RAMP regulations.

Experimental Fishing Permit Program (EFP)
CDFW recommends fishermen and gear developers interested in trap gear innovations review guidance from CDFW (PDF). Depending on the type of gear innovation being tested, an EFP may be needed. EFPs are issued by the Fish and Game Commission after consideration of CDFW’s technical findings and recommendations. More information about the EFP program is available on CDFW’s EFP webpage, as well as from the Fish and Game Commission.

Alternative Gear
The Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (Section 132.8(h), Title 14, California Code of Regulations (PDF)) establishes a process for certification of innovative gear types which reduce marine life entanglement risk as Alternative Gear. If you are interested in Alternative Gear authorization please contact WhaleSafeFisheries@wildlife.ca.gov. Once certified, Alternative Gear can be used between April 1 and the close of the commercial Dungeness crab season in areas otherwise closed to commercial Dungeness crab fishing when authorized by the CDFW Director.

CDFW is committed to working with a range of partners to advance best available science related to marine life entanglement risk. Helpful links and resources are provided below, in addition to an overview of RAMP data sources (PDF).

News and Updates

November 15: Risk Assessment Update

The Director of CDFW will conduct an assessment of marine life entanglement risk on or around November 21, 2024. The Working Group will meet on November 19, 2024, to review and discuss the November 15, 2024 CDFW Marine Region staff's Available Data and Initial Assessment document. All documents are available under the 2024-25 Season section of the Risk Assessment tab.

Upcoming Risk Assessments for the 2024-25 Season (subject to change):

  • November 21-22
  • December 20-22

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