This webpage was updated on August 3, 2020

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP)


Since September 2015, the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group (Working Group) has been taking steps to actively identify and be responsive to elevated risks of whale entanglements in California Dungeness crab fishing gear. This unique coalition of diverse stakeholders—which includes commercial and recreational fishermen, environmental organization representatives, members of the whale entanglement response network and state and federal agencies—is committed to developing solutions that support thriving whale populations along the West Coast and a thriving and profitable Dungeness crab fishery. For a Fact Sheet about the Working Group and other background information, visit the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group webpage.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP)

A Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP) has been developed by the Working Group to assess circumstances where entanglement risk may be elevated and, as needed, identify a possible management measures for the CDFW’s Director’s consideration (see Senate Bill 1309 here.) The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to considering new information, technologies, and approaches to reducing the risk of entanglements.

Jonathan Gross

2019-2020 RAMP

 All RAMP related discussions, risk assessments, and recommendations developed by the Working Group will be posted on this webpage and circulated via the Working Group’s email distribution list. If you are interested in receiving these updates via email, please contact info@cawhalegroup.com. The Working Group welcomes your feedback and insights on the RAMP – visit https://opc.ca.gov/whale-entanglement-working-group or contact the Working Group at info@cawhalegroup.com. 

Throughout the 2019-20 commercial Dungeness crab season, the Working Group will assess marine life entanglement risk and forward management recommendations to the Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

As a result of the Working Group’s July 15, 2020 meeting, the Working Group developed its 2019-2020 RAMP Reflections.

2019-2020 RAMP:

The Working Group convened on June 26, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s June 26, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s July 1, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on June 9, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s June 9, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s June 15, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on May 26, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s May 26, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s June 1, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on May 11, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s May 11, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s May 15, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on April 27, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s April 27, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s May 1, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on April 9, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s April 9, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s April 15, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on March 25, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s March 25, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s April 1, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on March 9, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s March 9, 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s) to inform the CDFW Director’s March 15, 2020 determination.

The Working Group convened on February 7, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s February 2020 risk assessment including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s), as well as an update on the solar logger project.

The Working Group convened on January 8, 2020 to provide information about the Working Group’s January 2020 risk assessment, including new information related to the risk assessment factors and/or Working Group recommendation(s).

The Working Group convened on December 4, 2019 to report out on any new information and/or updated Working Group recommendation(s).

The Working Group convened on October 31, 2019, to discuss updated information (see October 31, 2019 Meeting Materials below) and provided a minority recommendation to CDFW as a supplement to the Working Group’s October 15, 2019 recommendation.

The Working Group conducted a risk assessment and recommendation on October 15, 2019.

 

2018-19 RAMP Risk Assessments

RAMP Resources:

2018-2019 RAMP Overview

Draft RAMP Guiding Principles

Draft 2018-2019 RAMP Assumptions

2017-18 RAMP Reflections and Lessons Learned

PDFs of Status Updates & Recommendations:

Related Resources

Contact       

Contact the Working Group at info@cawhalegroup.com

Ocean Protection Council

Facilitation Team: Strategic Earth Consulting