Monterey Bay Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Delayed Until at Least January 2027; Recreational Rules Differ

MOSS LANDING, Calif. — The start of California’s commercial Dungeness crab season has been postponed until at least January 1, 2027, a decision that affects commercial fishing boats and seafood buyers around Monterey Bay. State officials announced the restriction October 30, citing the danger of whales becoming entangled in fishing lines.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) said the commercial delay covers the coast from the Oregon border to Point Conception. The state also imposed restrictions on recreational crab traps across the same region until at least January 1.

Recreational crabbing is not completely closed

For Monterey Bay recreational anglers, the important distinction is that the recreational Dungeness crab season is scheduled to open November 7. Traditional recreational crab traps cannot be used under the current restriction, but hoop nets, crab snares (loop traps) and taking crab by hand remain authorized in waters open for the season, subject to other applicable rules.

Hoop nets must be checked at least every two hours and cannot be left unattended beyond that period. CDFW asks everyone on the water to avoid setting gear where whales are present.

A separate recreational closure due to elevated domoic acid affects a stretch of the far Northern California coast between Cape Mendocino and Ten Mile State Marine Reserve. That specific toxin closure should not be confused with the whale-safety gear restrictions in Monterey Bay.

Why the state is delaying commercial fishing

Officials said confirmed humpback whale entanglements in 2026 and the continued presence of whales on the fishing grounds create a heightened risk. Crab pots attached to vertical lines can entangle large marine mammals and sea turtles.

The delay means commercial fishermen based in and near Moss Landing face uncertainty during the important late-fall seafood season. Businesses and customers should not assume the usual local commercial catch will be available for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

When will officials revisit the restriction?

CDFW expects to conduct another risk assessment in mid-December to consider whether commercial fishing could begin and recreational crab-trap restrictions could end around New Year. January 1 is the earliest date currently contemplated, not a promised reopening date.

Fishing rules can change during a season. Before launching or buying gear, consult CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries updates for the current zone restrictions, size limits and licensing requirements.

Illustrative photograph: Laura ‘Lo’ Berg / Unsplash, showing a fishing-industry scene in Washington; not a vessel in Monterey Bay.

Primary sources: CDFW news release, October 30, 2026; CDFW current fishery status.

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