California Dungeness Crab
crab season resources and information
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Risk Assessment (RAMP)
Risk Assessments are conducted under the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP) to evaluate whale entanglement risk and determine whether adjustments to the commercial Dungeness crab fishery are necessary. These assessments occur on a scheduled basis using available data sources.
CDFW gathers and relases data and a preliminary recommendation. This is followed by a meting of the Dungeness Crab Gar Working Group. The Dungeness Crab Gear Working Group does not make decisions; it provides recommendations for the CDFW Director’s consideration under RAMP.
The Director has the authority to delay, modify, or close an area based on these assessments. Following the preliminary data and working group meeting, the Director makes a final determination.
All Risk Assessment documents are available on the CDFW Website
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Line Marking Requirements for 2026
Beginning in the 2025–26 season, all surface (trailer) line must be marked in purple and black. Line may be manufactured with two purple strands and one black strand, or painted in alternating solid purple and black bands (6–12 inches, full circumference) and maintained so the colors remain visible.
The upper 15 fathoms of vertical line will be phased in over several seasons, with full implementation by 2028–29.
Buoy ID rules have not changed. There is no new “D” buoy marking requirement.
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Electronic Monitoring Required 2026
Description Beginning in the 2025–26 season, all vessels must have an approved EM unit installed and transmitting before fishing. Archipelago is the current approved provider, and the device must have an active subscription that automatically sends location data to CDFW. If you already have a unit, it must be installed and activated. Having the hardware by itself doesn’t meet the requirement. The hydraulic pressure sensor is not required under current guidance. To subscribe, go to the Archipelago Website. For questions email whalesafefisheries@wildlife.ca.gov
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2025-2026 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CDFW puts together a FAQ document for each season.
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Electronic Monitoring Compliance Guide
CDFW has created a compliance guide for Electronic Monitoring. It is available on the CDFW website.
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Alternative Gear
CDFW Page with information on Alternative Gear
PCFFA Dungeness Crab priorities and outcomes
Compile information for the current season and make it accessible to the fleet through Dungeness Crab Season Information Flyers.
Continue to push for a review of RAMP management triggers based on best available science, in keeping with our Dungeness Crab Position Statement.
Meet with legislators to highlight DCTF recommendations and build support for related legislation expected in early 2026.
Participate in quarterly “2×2” meetings with CDFW and Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire.
Successfully lobbied for clarity in RAMP 2.0, reducing unnecessary burdens tied to gear-marking requirements. (Final package adopted October 2025.)
Testimony by Lisa Damrosch and Dick Ogg on Dungeness Crab at the Joint Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee’s 50th Annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum October 2025.
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