UPDATE ON CRAB SEASON

On January 5, California commercial Dungeness crab fishermen in the Central Management Area met to continue discussions related to the delayed season. The decision not to set gear on January 2, despite being legally allowed to do so, was made to achieve three objectives, a fair price for vessels in all ports, a fair and organized start, and a united fleet from Bodega Bay to Monterey.

Three days into the delay, negotiations remain difficult due to a pending lawsuit brought by a fisherman against multiple California buyers and processors. Buyers are uncomfortable offering a price amid ongoing legal uncertainty, and fishermen are struggling to get to work without knowing what they will be paid.

Today, members from the Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association, the Half Moon Bay Seafood Marketing Association, and the Crab Boat Owners Association of San Francisco met and, after hearing from non members and members, voted overwhelmingly to remain in port awaiting additional information that could improve market conditions. The fleet remains unified across the Central Management Area, with only one fisherman in Half Moon Bay and another in San Francisco having left port.

The groups will reconvene on Wednesday January 7. The expectation is a review of additional market information, including price information from buyers, and to come together on logistics for an orderly start, with an agreed set time of Friday January 9 at 8am and a common haul time to be determined. The fleet appreciates the public’s patience.