Courtesy of SeafoodNews.com:
Crab seasons across the West Coast have resulted in a mish-mash of season openings and restrictions based on the presence of whales, biotoxin testing and results and other factors. But a review of the season so far in California showed some positive news: No observed whales were present to trigger management actions.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham issued a notice Wednesday that said no changes in management were necessary, but that the fleet should stay vigilant when setting gear to be alert for the presence of whales and abide by the best practices guide for avoiding marine life entanglements.
“Humpback whale sightings are near seasonal lows, which is a strong indication that most humpback whales have migrated to their southern breeding grounds from California waters. Based on previously available data, known historic migration patterns and supported by the totality of Management Considerations, entanglement risk is therefore low for Fishing Zones 1-6 [the entire California coast],” the notice said.
Background data from CDFW cautioned fishermen to be cognizant of the potential for changes if whales are observed, noting: “The 2023 calendar year does not currently have any reported entanglements, however the 2022 calendar year saw a high number of confirmed entanglements. Avoidance of any additional entanglements is a priority for CDFW, however very low presence of actionable species within the fishing grounds lessens the need for more restrictive management actions at this time.”
Information supplied to the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group for review under the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program showed no humpback whales, blue whales or leatherback sea turtles in Zones 1 (Oregon Border to Cape Mendocino), 3 or 4 (Point Arena to Lopez Point, encompassing San Francisco, Bodega Bay and Monterey Bay), according to U.S. Coast Guard and CDFW aerial surveys. Additionally, Monterey Bay Whale Watch data documented
no humpback whales during the most recent seven-day trip period.
CDFW also compiled other data to inform the assessment, including landings and fleet dynamics for this season. As of Feb. 10, 2023, all California zones were open and the total volume landed was 12.5 million pounds for a total ex-vessel value of $30.4 million. Additionally, 333 vessels have delivered crab to processors for an average season price of $2.72 per pound.
CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-March 2023.