With the commercial crab-fishing season approaching, California officials warn that toxic algae might delay this year’s catch.
“Domoic acid is the naturally occurring toxin caused by algal blooms that delayed the past two Dungeness crab seasons,” explains the San Francisco Chronicle. “According to test results from the California Department of Public Health, elevated levels of the toxin have shown up in samples of Dungeness crab collected in recent weeks at several North Coast ports.”
The agency says it won’t announce a delay until closer to the season’s start date, slated in some parts of the state for Nov. 15.
“Domoic acid is already causing problems along other parts of the West Coast,” says the Chronicle. “The recreational crab fishery in southern Oregon is closed due to unhealthy levels of domoic acid, as is the commercial spiny lobster season in a small part of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.”
Delays are financially difficult on fishermen, many of whom are already struggling to make a profit.