An emergency order from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has delayed the beginning of the commercial Dungeness crab season and the closing of commercial rock fishery. The move follows a health advisory on Tuesday from the California Department of Public Health.
The emergency rule prohibits commercial fishing of Dungeness crab and rock crab north of the Ventura, Santa Barbara county line. Closure of fisheries will remain in effect until officials determine that domoic acid levels no longer pose a risk to the public.
"Crab is an important part of California's culture and economy, and I did not make this decision lightly," said CDFW Director Charlton Bonham, "but doing anything we can to limit the risk to public health has to take precedence."
Domoic acid is a byproduct of certain algae in the ocean. Normally at this time of year, the acid is down, but the level is so high that CDPH officials became concerned. Warmer temperatures due to El Niño are likely the cause of this large and persistent algae bloom.
At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. CDFW states that at higher levels, domoic acid can cause short-term memory loss, seizures and in some cases, turn fatal.
CDFW will continue to coordinate with CDPH and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to test domoic acid levels in crabs. The Dungeness crab season was scheduled to begin Saturday, Nov. 7.
