Dungeness crab outlook: RAMP tools, entanglement scoring and domoic acid testing shape 2026–27 season
CDFW and stakeholders warned the 2026–27 Dungeness crab season could be delayed or restricted by whale entanglement risk and a likely strong El Niño that could drive domoic acid; RAMP scoring, earlier testing and evisceration rules were highlighted as management tools.
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CDFW program manager Joanna Grable outlined the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP) for the Dungeness crab fishery and described four principal drivers of opening decisions: whale presence (entanglement risk), domoic acid, meat quality and fleet dynamics. She said the current entanglement evaluation score was 2.25 and noted that a score of 3 triggers an automatic season delay until January 1.
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