Bodega Bay, California, is facing a challenging Dungeness crab season, marked by low catches and increasing regulatory pressures aimed at protecting marine wildlife. Fisherman Dick Ogg, who has been working the waters for decades, recently expressed his concerns about the future of the industry, which is a vital part of California’s $45 million crab fishing market.
The Dungeness crab season, which opened in early January, was delayed by two months and has started sluggishly, with fishermen struggling to make profitable hauls. Ogg, who operates his boat, the Karen Jeanne, described a typical day of fishing as labor-intensive yet often yielding disappointing results. Despite the hard work, he lamented, “We’re working very hard to basically get nothing.”
The decline in crab catches is compounded by environmental regulations aimed at safeguarding humpback whales, which have been entangled in crab fishing gear in alarming numbers. State authorities have implemented strict measures over the past decade to reduce these encounters, leading to a significant reduction in the duration of the crab season. Traditionally, the season ran from late fall to midsummer, but this year it is expected to be cut short, depriving fishermen of lucrative holiday markets.
The restrictions not only affect the timing of the season but also limit the amount of gear fishermen can use. This year, Ogg and his fellow crabbers are under a mandate to use 50% less gear, which further reduces their fishing capacity. As Ogg pointed out, the combination of fewer fishing days and stricter regulations has left many in the industry questioning their viability.
The plight of the crab fishermen reflects a broader tension between conservation efforts and commercial fishing. While Ogg is committed to protecting whales, he argues that the goal of zero entanglements is unrealistic. “You can put on your seat belt and drive slower, but there will still be accidents,” he said, emphasizing the inherent unpredictability of both fishing and wildlife.
The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing crisis in California’s salmon fishery, which has also faced severe restrictions due to dwindling fish populations. Fishermen like Sarah Bates, who also commercially fishes for salmon, voiced concerns that the focus on whale protection is jeopardizing the livelihoods of those in the fishing community.
As the season progresses, fishermen are exploring alternatives, including new pop-up gear that eliminates vertical lines, reducing the risk of whale entanglement. While some are optimistic about this innovative approach, others remain skeptical, citing the significant investments already made in traditional gear.
After a long day at sea, Ogg returned to shore with a modest catch of 855 pounds of crab, a stark contrast to the bountiful hauls of previous years. Despite the challenges, he remains dedicated to his work, hoping to continue fishing for another decade while grappling with the uncertainty of the industry’s future. As he reflected on the day’s catch, he noted, “Worse than usual. Better than expected. The best part was I didn’t see any whales.”