This webpage was updated on October 7, 2024

California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group


In September 2015, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with California Ocean Protection Council and National Marine Fisheries Service, convened a Working Group to address an increase in large whale entanglements in Dungeness crab fishing gear. The Working Group is comprised of commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental organization representatives, members of the disentanglement network, and state and federal agencies.

The Working Group’s charge is to help strategize for the future of Dungeness crab fisheries in California utilizing innovative approaches and fishing methods that reduce marine life entanglement risk while supporting fishing opportunities for the commercial and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries.  Specifically, the Working Group operates within three priority areas that support implementation of the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP) regulations:

  • RAMP Implementation: The Working Group will provide recommendations regarding the appropriate management actions for the CDFW Director’s consideration, as described in RAMP.
  • Innovations: Using Project Teams, members work with researchers and others to increase understanding of marine life entanglements, minimize potential impacts to actionable species, and maximize fishing opportunities for the Dungeness crab fishery.
  • Communications: Provide peers, interest groups, and/or other outside organizations with information about the Working Group’s work, meeting discussion highlights, materials, and recommendations through various means of networking and interaction, in alignment with Working Group communication protocol. 

For more information on the Working Group, please visit the CDFW Whale Safe Fisheries webpage.

Learn more about how OPC is protecting whales and sea turtles and ensuring thriving fisheries by reducing the risk of entanglement in California fishing gear.

Resources

Contact

For more information about the Working Group’s efforts, including the RAMP and opportunities to provide feedback and share your expertise, contact the Working Group at WhaleSafeFisheries@wildlife.ca.gov.

Staff Contact

Katie Cieri
Sustainable Fisheries and
Aquaculture Program Manager
Katie.Cieri@resources.ca.gov

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