PCFFA NEWS- WINTER 2026
Message from the ED:
While most of you have been crabbing, the work on land has continued as well. I want to share a quick update. Below, please find the latest information on our work in Dungeness Crab Fishery, including EFP SIGN UP INFORMATION for Spring Crab fishing with traditional gear due March 1st, 2026. We want to share salmon updates and key important dates regarding the 2026 Commercial Salmon Season and flag that there are important dates on MPAs coming this spring. This information is also available as a PDF.
DUNGENESS CRAB NEWS:
Thankful for the decent weather and that everyone had an opportunity to catch some crabs. Here on land, we have been fighting in every arena and in discussions with CDFW and NMFS with a consistent focus on protecting the traditional fishery now and into the future, insisting on balanced, science-based regulations that reflect current realities.
LEGISLATIVE WORK with Senator McGuire: PCFFA has been working to introduce a Fisheries Omnibus bill this cycle to address the fleet’s recommendations from the Dungeness Crab Task Force.
NEW LEGAL COUNSEL: PCFFA retained K&L Gates last year, who helped us negotiate with CDFW on RAMP 2.0, resulting in the removal of the D’s on buoys and legal assurance that alternative gear can be deployed only after April 1st if the Director closes the season to traditional gear.
CDFW Habitat Conservation Plan/ITP application was released on December 25. We are reviewing and will be prepared to engage if and when NMFS accepts the application as complete and begins the public review process.
An Independent science team contracted by PCFFA is reviewing the whale data, including the latest SablefishTRT data.
Coordination with Oregon Coast Crab Association: As Oregon begins to navigate challenges similar to what we have faced in California, we are in discussions to coordinate responses and share resources for the future of West Coast crabbing.
West Coast Sablefish TRT: California reps and alternates for Sablefish are also PCFFA board members or staff. Our goal is to ensure the best outcome for the Sablefish fishery and prepare for any future federal processes that may impact Crab.
Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network: PCFFA has launched the Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network, as requested by the DCTF, to help more ports operate programs and to create a new gear-spotting app now ready for use this Spring.
Working Group and Vessel Surveys: We participate in the Whale Working Group and are leading a new data review team working to elevate Vessel Surveys to a trusted data source. While ensuring vessel surveys continue and are expanded to more zones to inform management actions
LONGLINE TRADITIONAL GEAR EFP: PCFFA has approval to expand participation in the Spring Longline EFP using Grapple and Traditional Gear.
SALMON NEWS
PCFFA has stayed aggressive on every front, from short-term relief to long-term rebuilding in every salmon watershed, with a consistent message that recovery means not just more fish in rivers but harvestable levels in the ocean.
RESULTS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY: PCFFA engagement through the Bridge Group has led to record production and releases of brood year 2025 Salmon at Coleman National Fish Hatchery. Achievements include PBT Fry Releases, Rice Field Fry Releases, and a successful Net Pen Acclimation project.
Klamath numbers are trending up thanks to work by PCFFA on habitat restoration, dam removal, and hatchery production.
Direct Engagement with Eugenio Piñero, NMFS: Later this month, we will meet in person to discuss California fisheries.
2026 KEY SALMON DATES
February 25th 1pm- CDFW annual Salmon Information Meeting in Sacramento and livestreamed online link will be posted on CDFW salmon website when available.
February 27th 5pm- PCFFA will host an informational meeting to share information and messaging help for public comments and Council engagement to inform port association meetings.
March 4th -9th- Pacific Fisheries Management Council in Sacramento.
March 16th week- PCFFA will schedule another informational meeting ahead of port meetings.
March 23rd- PFMC meeting in Santa Rosa for public input on season options.
April 7th-12th- Pacific Fisheries Management Council meeting in Vancouver, Washington, to set the season.
Defending Fisheries Access & Opportunity
The California Fish and Game Commission accepted multiple petitions to change existing Marine Protected Areas in 2025, and referred them to CDFW for evaluation. CDFW is now reviewing and preparing recommendations.
PCFFA will be workng to coordinate fleet opposition to changes that impact commercial fishing.
Regional public hearings are scheduled this spring.
April 21 – Half Moon Bay area
May 5 – Santa Barbara area
May 19 – Oceanside / North San Diego County
After the public input phase the Commission will decide whether to begin formal regulatory changes. There is no timeline for that yet.