California crabbers adopt new methods to save whales and extend fishing season
- California crabbers are testing new pop-up gear as a solution to whale entanglements that have led to restricted fishing seasons.
- The state is piloting this gear to enhance both marine mammal safety and fishing productivity, with full authorization expected in 2026.
- The introduction of this gear could provide a sustainable solution that permits longer fishing seasons while safeguarding endangered species.
In California, the state has implemented a pilot program in 2023 for crab fishermen to experiment with pop-up gear aimed at reducing whale entanglements during fishing. This new method enables fishermen to use remote-operated devices to bring pots from the ocean floor without having them tethered to buoys at the surface. The necessity for this innovation arose as a response to an increase in whale entanglements, particularly involving humpbacks, that prompted regulators to restrict Dungeness crab fishing when whales are present off the California coast. Recent statistics indicated that over four dozen whales were caught in fishing nets in 2015, up from an annual average of just ten, highlighting the significant risk to these marine mammals. In an effort to balance the needs of both the fishing industry and marine conservation, fishermen began trials of pop-up gear as it significantly reduces the risk of entanglement. The expected full authorization for this gear is set for spring 2026, as its effectiveness and practicality are still under review by the local fishing community. While many veteran crab fishermen have expressed hesitation regarding the cost of transitioning to this new method, the potential financial relief provided by being able to fish longer into the season has garnered interest. Early results demonstrate that this innovation could lead to the continued viability of crab and other fisheries in California, satisfying both ecological and economic concerns. Fishermen like Ben Platt, once an opponent of the new system, have acknowledged its potential benefits, especially as financial pressures mount with each shortened season.