(19:58) WEST COAST – Yesterday, the California Department Of Fish And Wildlife decided to stall the Commercial Crab Opening for at least 2 more weeks. That’s because dangerous levels of Domoic Acid are still being found off the coast of Marin and Sonoma counties. In mild cases, the neuro-toxin can cause gastro-intestinal illness. In severe cases it can be fatal.
Previous Update – (10/16/16 16:52) WEST COAST – The State Dungeness Crab Task Force has unanimously recommended keeping the commercial crab fishing season closed until tests show that the final 7 sites have safe levels of Domoic Acid in the crabs. The neurotoxin is produced by some species of marine algae which often grows in warmer waters. The toxin is absorbed into the crab meat when the crabs eat the algae. The recommendation to keep the season closed came from commercial crab fishermen, crab processors, sport fishermen, and environmental organizations. While the U.S. Small Business Administration has begun providing low-interest federal disaster loans to small business commercial fishermen, the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration has yet to declare the situation a disaster, which means funds have not yet been appropriated by congress.
