California Delays Commercial Crab Fishing Season Over Toxin
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has delayed the start of commercial crab season, after recreational crab season was postponed over concerns over domoic acid, a neurotoxin.
"Crab is an important part of California's culture and economy, and I did not make this decision lightly," Department of Fish and Wildlife director Charlton H. Bonham said in a statement. "But doing everything we can to limit the risk to public health has to take precedence."
Health officials have been running tests on Dungeness crabs. So far, the domoic acid levels have been too toxic for people.
The ban covers crab caught between Oregon and Santa Barbara.
Domoic acid poisoning can cause vomiting, headaches and even seizures.
Fish and Wildlife has also closed the commercial rock crab fishery over domoic acid.
Recreation crab season was set to begin on Saturday, while commercial crab season was scheduled to start on November 15th.