POINT ARENA, Calif. (AP) — Dungeness crabs will start hitting dinner tables along the northwestern U.S. coast as soon as next week.
Wildlife officials in Washington, Oregon and California have announced the start of crab fishing season on Dec. 1.
The date was set after officials tested crabs in the area and determined that the crustaceans are mature enough and don’t have dangerous levels of toxins.
The fishery extends from Point Arena, Calif., to Klipsan Beach, Wash.
The central California fishery, to the south, has been open since Nov. 16 after a one-day delay over concerns about immature crabs. Fishermen there have reported an abundant harvest so far this season.
