December 19, 2025 Commercial Trap Reduction and Lifting of the Recreational Crab Trap Prohibition

On December 19, 2025, a regulatory change will take effect in California’s marine fishing zones to reduce entanglement risks for marine life by decreasing the number of commercial Dungeness crab traps in all fishing zones. This reduction is aimed at minimizing the threat to whales, sea turtles, and other protected species that can become entangled in abandoned or active gear. Concurrently, the prohibition on recreational crab traps will be lifted in Fishing Zones 1, 3, and 4, allowing recreational fishers to resume trap fishing in these areas under existing regulations. The move balances conservation goals with sustainable recreational access, reflecting ongoing efforts by the California Fish and Wildlife agency to adapt management practices based on environmental impact assessments. The initiative is being coordinated by the Marine division of Region 7 in Monterey, with oversight and implementation responsibilities falling under the California agency. All activities will be guided by state marine conservation policies and enforced through existing licensing and gear compliance protocols.