Dungeness Crab Fishery Port-Based Program

Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network

Bring the Network to Your Port

The Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network, run by the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA), is a fishermen-led program that helps port representatives coordinate the recovery of lost Dungeness crab gear, return it to its owners, and ensure retrieval crews are compensated.

The program operates within California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations, whether your port chooses the permitted or exempt retrieval pathways, and provides the coordination, training, and tools needed to make gear recovery efficient and effective.

Whether you’re looking to establish a coordinated gear recovery program, or a fisherman interested in participating as a retrieval captain, this program provides the structure, tools, and support to recover gear, protect fishing grounds, and keep retrieval operations running smoothly.

Understanding the Two Retrieval Pathways

CDFW regulations allow gear retrieval after the season closes in two ways: permitted retrieval and exempt retrieval.

Both pathways are supported by the Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network. No matter which option a port chooses, we provide the same training, tools, and reporting framework to ensure gear is recovered efficiently, retrieval crews are compensated, and fishing grounds are kept clear.

Permitted retrieval requires a CDFW-issued permit, which comes with a fee, specific timelines, use of official logbooks, and formal reporting. This pathway provides stronger legal authority and enforcement oversight once all permit conditions are met.

Exempt retrieval is recognized by CDFW but does not require a permit or direct agency oversight. This option offers fewer requirements and more flexibility for ports and fishermen, while still operating within the Network’s structure.

CDFW Gear Retrieval Pathway differences

How We Strengthen Both Pathways

While CDFW’s exempt retrieval option does not require payment for returned gear, the Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network makes exempt retrieval work like the permitted program:

Port coordinators track down gear owners.

Gear is sold back to owners whenever possible and port coordinators ensure retrieval crews are compensated.

Program port coordinators handle, storage, owner contact, and record keeping – removing the administrative burden from individual fishermen.

The Recovery Network Provides:

Fishermen looking out with binoculars the front of boat

  • Permit application support (for permitted retrieval)

  • Training materials for port coordinators and retrieval crews

  • Outreach and communications tools to engage your fleet

  • Reporting templates to meet CDFW and program requirements

  • Storage coordination and gear owner contact assistance

  • Ongoing program guidance and troubleshooting

  • Program tools:

    • CrabGear (App) for retrieval captains in the program to digitally log gear retrieval

    • Gear Spotting Form for the public, recreational fishermen, and other maritime professionals to report lost gear sightings

How the Program Works in Your Port

Yellow rope tied to anchor on dock

  1. Join the Network: Under either the permitted or exempt retrieval pathway.

  2. Identify a Port Coordinator: We train them and provide program tools.

  3. Port Coordinator Recruits Retrieval Captains: Select and confirm recovery captains to participate in retrieval operations.

  4. Gear Spotting & Reporting: We provide training materials for program tools.

    1. Retrieval captains use the CrabGear App to log recovered gear.

    2. Public, recreational fishermen, and other maritime professionals use the Gear Spotting Form to report sightings.

  5. Retrieval Operations: Conducted by participating captains during allowed retrieval periods, with all recovered gear properly documented according to CDFW and Network requirements.

  6. Secure Storage: Gear is held until returned or otherwise processed.

  7. Owner Contact & Payment: Port coordinator arranges return and payment for gear whenever possible.

  8. Reporting: retrieval data is logged to meet requirements and track program success, and retrieval captains are paid out based on completed operations.

Interested in joining?

  • Boat docked in port

    For Ports

    Bring the Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network to your harbor and coordinate retrieval efforts with support.

  • Fishermen operating crab gear on boat.

    For Fishermen:

    Participate as a retrieval captain or report lost gear to help keep fishing grounds clear and productive.

Contact PCFFA to get started!

Led by Fishermen, for the Fishery

The Fishermen’s Gear Recovery Network is a program of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA), the largest trade association of commercial fishermen on the West Coast. Powered by fishermen means the program is designed, led, and carried out by the fleet itself — ensuring solutions come directly from the people who know the fishery best.