Policy and Fishery Access
California’s working fleet depends on more than the fish it catches. It depends on fair policy that supports wild seafood production, working ports, and the next generation’s ability to stay in the trade. Every new rule and policy affects opportunities for commercial fishermen to work and feed our communities. Over time, that web of decisions has made navigating the bureaucracy tougher than fishing itself, and commercial fishing is one of the toughest jobs in the world. PCFFA works to bring common sense back into policy and protect our ocean resources AND the future of commercial fishing on the California coast.
When policy drifts toward politics or public pressure instead of science and measurable results, it can weaken the systems that sustain both fisheries and the coast. Good management starts with understanding the problem, testing solutions against real data, and adapting as conditions change. PCFFA applies the adaptability that defines commercial fishing to ground decisions in data and real outcomes, asking what is at stake, what is working, and what needs to change. The goal is to protect the ocean while keeping it productive, because commercial fishing and ocean health are not at odds. Fishermen are the ocean’s original stewards, and keeping them on the water is part of keeping the ocean healthy.
our policy work
seafood harvesters of america
Through Seafood Harvesters of America, PCFFA connects California’s fleet to national fisheries policy and the professional lobbyists who represent working harvesters in Washington, D.C. This network allows PCFFA to track and influence federal actions that affect commercial fishermen, from management plans and data systems to disaster funding and trade policy.
Our participation keeps California’s perspective visible in conversations that shape how America manages its seafood supply. Seafood Harvesters brings together the country’s leading harvesting organizations to coordinate priorities, share information, and strengthen the collective voice for domestic seafood production.
current 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.
practical solutions
longline grappling
Over two years, PCFFA navigated CDFW’s Experimental Fishing Permit process and successfully tested traditional longline gear with a grapple in spring 2025. The trials showed that simple, proven tools can still solve hard problems, offering a practical, affordable way to fish when whales return in the spring without costly new systems. PCFFA is now working through the state’s gear authorization process with hopes of receiving approval in time for the entire fleet to have an opportunity to access the spring fishery in 2026 if the season closes early to traditional gear after April 1. This work provides access and opportunity to ensure the spring fishery is accessible to all boats.
Note: Alternative gear, once authorized, may be used only after April 1 if the Director determines traditional gear is restricted due to increased entanglement risk for returning whales. By that point, about ninety-four percent of the crab have already been harvested under heavier weather, dense gear, and intense fishing pressure that make grappling impractical earlier in the season.
line marking
data & risk tools
CDFW has expressed interest in modernizing data collection and reporting. PCFFA has convened and represented fishermen in meetings with the CDFW data team and technology developers to ensure that any future systems accurately reflect real fishing practices and workloads. We’ve also participated in several meetings and workshops with other stakeholders and insurance industry representatives to explore whether insurance tools could help stabilize businesses when seasons fail. The first workshop, hosted by the Ocean Science Trust, initiated the conversation; follow-up meetings are now focused on identifying practical options that can work within the realities of commercial fishing.
fishermen’s lost gear recovery network
Lost and abandoned gear recovery has always been part of the Dungeness crab fishery. PCFFA coordinates the Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network, connecting local port programs, training fishermen, and managing tools and data to support this long-standing work. The program is fleet-run and focused on real-world cleanup and prevention in California’s working ports
crab season resources and information
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Domoic Acid Testing
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.
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Quality Testing
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.
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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. 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.
The table above shows recent confirmed entanglement reports and their associated impact scores under RAMP. This data was verified by CDFW 10/22/25.
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LATEST SEASON INFORMATION
The commercial Dungeness crab fishery will be delayed in all Fishing Zones due to numerous reported entanglements this year, high abundance of humpback whales, and presence of leatherback sea turtles. This delay will allow whales and sea turtles to migrate out of California waters prior to the opening of the commercial fishery. This delay was broadly supported by the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and the Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman’s Association (PCFFA).
“Another year of a delayed commercial Dungeness crab season is incredibly difficult for our fleet and port communities. However, given the current risk assessment process, the commercial fleet supported this outcome as the most practical path forward,” said Lisa Damrosch, PCFFA Executive Director. “We appreciate CDFW and Director Bonham listening to input from the Dungeness Crab Gear Working Group and providing the needed clarity for planning. Although none of this is easy, we thank CDFW for their responsiveness, which reflects the cooperation that will be essential to meeting the challenges ahead for this fishery and our fleet.”
CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place in mid-December to inform a possible opening of the commercial fishery around the New Year.
During the mid-December Risk Assessment, the CDFW Director will evaluate all available data, including a recommendation from the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group to determine whether the commercial fishery can open.
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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 optional under current guidance. Archipelago FishVue Lime devices have been distributed. Their website is being updated. For questions email whalesafefisheries@wildlife.ca.gov
LATEST CRAB NEWS
