Central California Crab Delay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: January 2, 2026
Location: California Central Coast (Sonoma County to Monterey Bay)
California Dungeness Crab Fishermen Delay Central Coast Season Pending Fair Price
California commercial Dungeness crab fishermen in the Central Management Area, which runs from the Sonoma County line to Monterey Bay, have agreed to delay the start of the 2025–26 season until a fair opening price is offered that is broadly available to the fleet. While state regulations allow fishermen to begin setting gear on January 2 and hauling crab on January 5, Dungeness crab will not be landed until a price agreement is reached.
This decision reflects coordinated action by the working fishermen members of the Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association, the Half Moon Bay Seafood Marketing Association, and the Crab Boat Owners Association of San Francisco. These organizations collectively represent the majority of active crab vessels and account for an estimated 90 percent of Dungeness crab harvested in the region. Member fishermen are united in standing together to achieve a fair price, recognizing that fishing at a price 30 percent lower than last year is not economically viable. Operating costs continue to rise, while fishing days have been reduced by more than half under new regulations in recent years.
Following a 2016 spike in reported marine mammal entanglements in the state, California’s Dungeness crab fleet has operated under tighter management controls, including the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program, which has been in place since 2020 and is intended to reduce entanglement risks for marine mammals. Scientists report that humpback whale populations have doubled since 2016 and reported entanglement numbers are down. Fishermen have done their part, operating under substantially different regulatory conditions, and those changes come with real costs.
In this region, when fishing begins, vessels will deploy only 60 percent of their allotted gear and, under new regulations this season, must use specifically colored surface gear and carry electronic monitoring devices. The fleet understands that costs of doing business are rising for markets and processors as well, but fishermen cannot continue to absorb all of the losses and remain in business as food producers and economy builders for coastal communities. For the fleet, the price being offered fails to reflect these realities and is unacceptable, particularly in a major market like the San Francisco Bay Area that is already supplied by crab trucked in from other states.
Fishermen recognize that Dungeness crab is an important part of winter for families, restaurants, and coastal communities, and they appreciate the public’s patience and support as these discussions continue. They are hopeful the delay will be short and that local crab will be back on tables soon.
Fishermen expect to return to discussions with markets on January 5th. Once a price is agreed to, the fleet is committed to an orderly and safe start to the season, with notice before gear is set and a common set and haul time.
Leaders from the Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association, the Half Moon Bay Seafood Marketing Association, and the Crab Boat Owners Association of San Francisco continue to meet as a group and with their port members, with communication support provided by the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA). PCFFA is not involved in price negotiations but will serve as a point of contact for questions.
Note: The Northern Management Area remains on hold until at least January 15, 2026, under existing management requirements.
Media Contact: Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations
Email: press@pcffa.org
