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The migration of humpback whales will delay the start of the commercial crab fishing season and it could eliminate Dungeness crab from your holiday table.

With the higher number of humpback whales descending on Central Coast waters, and out of concern with them becoming entangled in crab lines, state officials said this week that they will close the Dungeness crab season on June 1, four weeks early.

On Dec. 14, 2020, longtime local fisherman Bill Blue sat next to his boat, Brita Michelle, on the dock in Morro Bay. The fishing season for Dungeness crab had been delayed due to "low meat quality" and was slated to open on Dec. 23. "It's just lost days in the ocean so it affects everybody's business. People are used to having crabs in November for Christmas, and it gives a chance for the market to get established and for prices to settle out," he said. Like many other fishermen, Blue doesn't just fish for one kind of seafood. He fishes for black cod and Dungeness crab with a small tea...

Five Days Into Commercial Dungeness Season, Seafood Buyers, Fishermen Haggle Over Price A sampling from last year's commercial Dungeness season struggle to leave its tote. File photo: Jessica Cejnar. Previous: ### Though California’s commercial Dungeness season opened five days ago, Crescent City’s commercial fleet has yet to drop pots as fishermen and buyers haggle over price. Fishermen are asking for $3.25 per pound while Pacific Choice Seafoods, of Eureka, is offering $2.50 per pound, Rick Shepherd, Crescent City Commercial Fisherman’s Association president and Crescent City Harbor D...

Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Starts Dec. 23; Fishermen May Be In For A Low Abundance Year Crab season is set to start Dec. 23. File photo: Jessica Cejnar With state officials determining a low risk of whale entanglement and improved crab quality tests, California’s commercial Dungeness season will open Dec. 23. Seafood processors and fishermen have yet to agree on a price, however, according to Rick Shepherd, president of the Crescent City Commercial Fisherman’s Association. It could be after the first of the year before crab boats bring in their catch, he said. Once fishermen do get ...