New Limits On California Crab Fishing Proposed
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - The Bay Area is seeing one of its best crab seasons in years, but the initial rush has one state legislator looking to set limits on the number of traps allowed.
Some crabbers at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco support the proposal saying they just want a level playing field.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
Boats come down from Oregon and Washington, adding to the possibility of overfishing and with the collapse of salmon season, locals are depending on crabbing for their livelihood.
On Wednesday, State Sen. Noreen Evans introduced a bill that would limit crab pots (devices used to catch crabs) and regulate the opening of the season.
Longtime crab fisherman Richard Fitzpatrick said the waters are crowded with interlopers.
"Find your own spot," said Fitzpatrick, but he acknowledged how difficult that is nowadays, saying it's nearly impossible.
"There's nowhere that there's nobody anymore. Hopefully something will be done about it," said Fitzpatrick.
Currently California limits the number of fishing permits to 600, but you are allowed to set as many traps as you want. By limiting those traps, Evans also hopes to cut down on the amount of fishing gear abandoned in the ocean.
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