Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Approves New Dungeness Crab Fishery Rules to Reduce Whale Entanglements
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved new regulations for the state's commercial Dungeness crab fisheries. These changes, which took effect immediately, are primarily aimed at reducing the entanglement of whales in fishing gear. The new rules include updates to experimental gear, such as pop-up crab gear designed to minimize the amount of line in the water, and surface gear like buoys and lines. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is now authorized to establish terms and conditions for Experimental Fishing Gear Permits (EFGPs), covering aspects like gear quantity, fishing areas, valid periods, gear marking, monitoring, training, and reporting. Additionally, vessel operators named on EFGP applications must be onboard when EFGP gear is used. ODFW can also deny or revoke EFGPs for commercial fishery offenses or violations of permit terms, and can limit the number of EFGPs issued based on information needs. Starting February 1, 2027, electronic monitoring will be implemented to tra... 
