On October 26, California officials announced new Dungeness crab fishing regulations. The changes look to reduce encounters with various endangered species.
The new regulations go into effect at the start of November. Crab fishermen will need to reduce the number of traps in areas where high concentrations of sea turtles and whales are present. In the event of an entanglement, the state also has the right to close the area.
Fishermen are also no allowed to use alternative gear in waters closed to conventional traps.
