Dungeness crab outlook: RAMP tools, entanglement scoring and domoic acid testing shape 2026–27 season

CDFW program manager Joanna Grable outlined the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Program (RAMP) for the Dungeness crab fishery and described four principal drivers of opening decisions: whale presence (entanglement risk), domoic acid, meat quality and fleet dynamics. She said the current entanglement evaluation score was 2.25 and noted that a score of 3 triggers an automatic season delay until January 1.

Grable warned that domoic acid is expected to be a major factor this year because forecasts indicate a strong El Niño. She said staff will start earlier domoic acid testing to detect whether concentrations reach 2015–16 levels (reported historical maximums in testimony of ~300 parts per million in viscera; 30 ppm is the action level). Senate action giving authority for evisceration was noted as a tool to allow meat sales when viscera exceed action levels.

Industry and conservation groups described complementary measures. The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations emphasized data‑driven management and work with Dungeness Crab Task Force; veteran fishermen urged more real‑time data, vessel surveys and technology investments; the Nature Conservancy asked for data‑system modernization and proposed a $25 million allocation to the Ocean Protection Council from Prop 4 to enhance climate‑ready management.