""Extending the spring crab season with pop-up gear helps support an economically vital fishery while preventing whale entanglements. It's a true 'win-win' for fisheries and wildlife.""
""The timing is particularly important, with a marine heat wave building in the Pacific and potentially driving whales closer to shore.""
""In 2024, pop-up gear was tested by 19 fishermen while waters were closed to conventional crab gear to prevent whale entanglements. They saw a 98% success rate and yielded $1.5 million worth of crab.""
""Since 2015, there have been delays in all but one commercial Dungeness season in the Bay Area, mostly because of whale entanglements.""
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the closure of the commercial crab-fishing season in Zone 3 to protect humpback whales. Crabbers have until April 30 to finish their season. Whale-safe pop-up gear will be authorized for use starting May 7. Conservation groups support these measures, emphasizing the balance between economic viability and wildlife protection. Previous tests of pop-up gear showed a 98% success rate, yielding significant crab value. Delays in the Dungeness crab season have been common since 2015 due to whale entanglements.
Read at The Mercury News
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