The 2022 California Dungeness Crab Season Has Arrived. Just in time for 2023!

Good things come to those who wait. For those who crave California Dungeness crab, it took about two months longer than anticipated. But it’s well worth the wait, for several reasons.

First among those is protecting biodiversity. Initially set to begin in mid-November, the commercial fishing season for California Dungeness crab was pushed back on several occasions to reduce the entanglement risk of migrating whales. One delay was triggered by observations of 39 humpback whales off the coast of San Francisco and 22 humpbacks off the Monterey Coast, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in November 2022. In fact, the whale’s presence this late in the year tracked with the abundance of anchovies in the area for feeding.

While the delay meant local crab for Thanksgiving and Christmas was off the table, those who set a New Year’s resolution to eat more crab are now in luck.

The commercial fishing season is now open and California Dungeness crab is back on the menu.

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About California Dungeness Crab

A unique West Coast seafood experience, California Dungeness crab are known for their sweet, delicate, firm and full-flavored meat. These crustaceans, sourced directly from Northern California, take about four years to reach market size, which means they measure 6.25” across the carapace. Only mature males are harvested, leaving females in the water to reproduce.

Our first California Dungeness crab of the season landed at Bodega Bay. At the start of this year’s California Dungeness crab season, fishermen are limited to 50% of the traps they have permits for in order to keep the waters clear of gear for whales remaining in the area.

About Dungeness Crab

California isn’t the only home to Dungeness crab. You’ll also find Dungeness crab in the Pacific Northwest – from Oregon to Washington and into British Columbia.

Learn more about Dungeness crab HERE.

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