Juicy Dungeness crab will soon be back on the menu after the state lifted the commercial fishing ban Friday, clearing the way for boats to begin hauling in the big, spindly creatures next week.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife lifted prohibitions against fishing everywhere south of the Sonoma-Mendocino county line after state health officials determined the crabs “no longer pose a significant human health risk.”
It means the coast is essentially clear of domoic acid, the potentially deadly neurotoxin that has been found in crabs. Health officials said “low or undetectable levels” of the toxin were found throughout the range, including San Francisco, Half Moon Bay and Monterey.
“We're very happy to be going back to work. We hope everybody gets their big pot of boiling salt water going,” said Larry Collins, president of the Crab Boat Owners Association. “I hear they are big and hard and full of meat and beautiful-looking and safe. It's time to let the crab party begin.”
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Bay-Area-commercial-crab-season-to-open-March-26-6923174.php
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