Local ocean fishing has been big news and mostly consisting of negative press. The combination of crab closures due to domoic acid counts and the Santa CruzHarbor shoaled up has created great hardship for local fishermen.
Commercial fishermen are taking the brunt of the load as the harvest of Dungeness crab remains closed in California waters. To the north, Oregon and Washington have opened with rough conditions and a sluggish market as consumers are wary of crabs due to negative press. California fishermen are seeing some light as a partial opener occurred – Dungeness and Rock Crabs caught along the coast between the Santa Barbara/Ventura County Line and Latitude 35 degrees 40′ N (near Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Luis ObispoCounty) is being lifted along the coasts of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith updated the advisory because recent tests show that levels of domoic acid have declined to low or undetectable levels in crabs caught in these areas. Recent counts and studies from the CDPH revealed low numbers and were below the safety bench mark. These tests were delayed due to the holidays. Mid-January test results concluded safe numbers from MorroBay, MontereyBay and Half Moon Bay. Fishermen are hopeful for an opener to come soon and could be possible by early February if the next set of test results conclude low numbers of domoic acid.
With crabs and the testing procedure at the forefront of tough times, the fact that the Santa CruzHarbor has not been navigable for the past two months is also a great concern. Even if and when the crab season is set to open, local boaters will face the shoaled harbor mouth. Deep-hulled commercial vessels that travel slow are even more susceptible to grounding. This, coupled with large breaking waves, creates a severe hazard to navigation.
A recent newsletter from the Santa CruzHarbor states their concern and efforts to remedy the situation along with the battles they are up against. Each new winter storm brings large swells and shifting sands. The San LorenzoRiver has been flowing at high levels and continues to pump more sediment to an inferior breakwater system. The old dredge, Seabright, will retire this spring as she shows her age with steady breakdowns and maintenance issues. The Harbor mouth battle lives on as boats are unable to pass and surfers aren’t allowed to surf, the mood is sour.
I hope the commercial fishermen get some relief for their loss of season and consumers remember how delicious and healthy crabs are. Sport and commercial fishermen will revel in the possibility to pursue crabs. The shoaling Harbor issue is one that any local can recall and unfortunately is part of the port that happens when we have severe winter. The Santa CruzHarbor has invested in a new dredge that will be delivered this spring, hopefully it will be more efficient in the years to come.
Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 20 years. Contact him at [email protected].
