Oregon enacts temporary crab-fishery rules to reduce whale entanglements
Oregon adopts temporary rules to reduce whale entanglements
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued temporary restrictions for the 2025–26 Dungeness crab season aimed at lowering the risk of whale and sea turtle entanglements. The measures take effect April 1 and target gear limits, fishing depth and marking requirements for commercial crab vessels.
Key measures
Under the new temporary rules fishers must reduce pot limits by 20%, adhere to a 40-fathom depth restriction during the late season and use secondary buoy tags on surface gear. The agency frames the changes as late-season whale entanglement risk reduction steps intended to respond to recent incidents.
Recent incidents and petition
The decision follows a December petition from conservation groups after a record series of entanglements: at least three reported in 2024 and four in 2025. Among those was a juvenile humpback found stranded near Yachats. Other reports indicate whales dragged Oregon gear hundreds of miles, with entanglements documented off Baja California and Moss Landing, California.
Reactions
Ben Grundy of the Center for Biological Diversity welcomed the action, saying the state must account for shifting whale feeding patterns in a changing climate to prevent further painful entanglements and help populations recover.
Compliance and reporting
ODFW reminds fishers to follow best practices: remove untended gear, minimize surface line and use only the scope necessary for conditions. The department asks the public to report sightings via the WhaleAlert app and to call 1-877-767-9425 to report entangled marine mammals or sea turtles.