Domoic acid (DA) is a naturally occurring toxin that can sometimes appear in crab. Testing is conducted in designated coastal sampling areas under state and federal protocols. A sampling area can only be cleared to open based on DA when test results show levels are below the state’s regulatory action level. If an initial sample exceeds that level, the area remains closed for DA until two additional sample sets, collected from the same area at least seven days apart, both show levels below the threshold.

Crab quality refers to meat recovery percentage. In the Northern Management Area (NMA), quality is evaluated under Tri-State Protocols, established by California, Oregon, and Washington. Testing at determines whether crab meet the minimum meat recovery percentage required. If results do not meet that standard, the area remains closed for quality until follow-up testing confirms the required level. The Central Management Area does not have crab quality test requirements.

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

CDFW Released preliminary data and a recommendation to open the 2026 Season .

Preliminary Recommendation Summary

Marine Region’s preliminary recommendation is for the Director to open the Fishing Season in Fishing Zones 3, 4 and 5 on January 5, 2026, at 12:01am, under a 50% Gear Reduction. A gear setting period for Fishing Zones 3-5 would begin on January 2, 2025, at 8:01am. CDFW also recommends that Fishing Zones 1 and 2 open with a 25% Gear Reduction once domoic acid and quality testing requirements are met. Currently, Fishing Zones 1 and 2 will be delayed until at least January 15, 2026, pending testing requirements. For the recreational fishery, Marine Region recommends lifting the Crab Trap Prohibition in Fishing Zones 1, 3 and 4, effective January 2, 2026, at 8:01am. These recommendations represent a precautionary approach to address the exceedance of Marine Life Concentration data triggers in Fishing Zones 3 and 4 and to minimize the potential for entanglement.

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.

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

CDFW puts together a FAQ document for each season.

CDFW has created a compliance guide for Electronic Monitoring. It is available on the CDFW website.