ODFW Takes Action to Reduce Risk of Whale Entanglements

ODFW takes action to reduce risk of whale entanglements

To reduce the risk of humpback whale entanglements in commercial Dungeness crab gear, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is moving the May 1 “late-season” regulations to April 1 this year.

ODFW Looks To Move Late Season Crabbing Regulations

To reduce the risk of humpback whale entanglements in commercial Dungeness crab gear, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is moving the May 1 "late-season" regulations to April 1 this year. These regulations require commercial crab fishermen to fish in waters less than 40 fathoms, use 20 percent fewer pots, and affix a "late-season" buoy tag to each pot. "While our current pot limit reduction and depth restriction has reduced the number o…