Crab Opening Delay

Hello, newb question here.  The below article talks about a delay in the opening of California Crab Season.  I believe it is speaking of commercial fishing but I wasn't sure.  In the past when they delay the opening of the season do they usually delay both commercial and recreational at the same time?

Thanks, 

https://goodtimes.sc/santa-cruz-news/dungeness-crabbing-whales/

Usually just commercial, but both can be delayed if the domoic acid testing comes back hot.

Starting this year, they can delay recreational to reduce whale entanglement risk, too.  We'll see how that goes.

There is discussion on Coastside that the recreational crab season may be delayed due to potential whale entanglements. There is a slight chance that hoop nets might be an exception to the closure. Those that go after crabs are being encouraged to express their opinions with the California Wildlife Director Charlton Bonham at the following link:

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Director/Email

There is discussion on Coastside that the recreational crab season may be delayed due to potential whale entanglements. There is a slight chance that hoop nets might be an exception to the closure. Those that go after crabs are being encouraged to express their opinions with the California Wildlife Director Charlton Bonham at the following link:

https://wildlife.ca.gov/Director/Email

I just sent them an email. Hopefully, they will let us use hoop nets since the risk of entanglement is so small. However, I'm not optimistic.

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

didn't know that, thanks for the info, what if you soak for 90 minutes, check, re load and soak again for 90 minutes? is that ok?

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

didn't know that, thanks for the info, what if you soak for 90 minutes, check, re load and soak again for 90 minutes? is that ok?

Yes, you just need to pull and check hoops every 2 hours by the regs.  You can drop them back down after checking.

Is the buoy requirements the same as cage traps?

Is the buoy requirements the same as cage traps?

The way I (and plenty others) have interpreted the regs, no.

From another thread:

From my understanding this new regulation of license and red buoy is for crab traps only, not needed for hoop nets (including the ambush hoop nets)?

Correct.  The ambush type hoop nets are "Type B Hoop Nets" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(b) and not a "crab trap" per Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  The regulations around the validation fee and the add'l red 3x5 marker buoy are applicable under Title 14 CCR, § 29.80(c).  You can read the approved changes and the specific language here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195187&inline

Thanks tedski

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

didn't know that, thanks for the info, what if you soak for 90 minutes, check, re load and soak again for 90 minutes? is that ok?

Yes, you just need to pull and check pots every 2 hours by the regs.  You can drop them back down after checking.

you mean pull and check your hoop nets....pots dont  need to be checked

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

didn't know that, thanks for the info, what if you soak for 90 minutes, check, re load and soak again for 90 minutes? is that ok?

Yes, you just need to pull and check pots every 2 hours by the regs.  You can drop them back down after checking.

you mean pull and check your hoop nets....pots dont  need to be checked

Thanks for the correction!  Edited the post.

when will they announce final decision?

and why is risk less with hoop nets vs traps? is it because people tend to not soak them long/overnight?

It’s illegal to soak them longer than 2 hours.

didn't know that, thanks for the info, what if you soak for 90 minutes, check, re load and soak again for 90 minutes? is that ok?

Yes, you just need to pull and check pots every 2 hours by the regs.  You can drop them back down after checking.

you mean pull and check your hoop nets....pots dont  need to be checked

Pots need to be serviced at least every 9 days.