California Fishermen Gear Up For Dungeness Crab Season
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS / AP) -- California fishermen are gearing up what's projected to be another bountiful season for Dungeness crab.
The season for recreational fishermen begins Saturday, when crabbers can begin setting their traps and nets after midnight.
The commercial season starts Nov. 15 south of Mendocino County and Dec. 1 for the state's north coast.
State biologists say Dungeness populations appear to be robust, especially in Central California, following a record harvest last season.
In September, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a new law that limits the number of crab traps on each fishing boat.
The legislation by state Sen. Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, is designed to protect marine mammals, improve boat safety and prevent large out-of-state boats from crowding out California fishermen.
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