San Jose, CA – As part of the Trump Administration’s latest cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the agency announced that it is indefinitely postponing the inclusion of state managed Dungeness crab fisheries from the scope of its upcoming West Coast Take Reduction Team (TRT) charged with reducing whale entanglements. A Take Reduction Plan created through a TRT is necessary for states to obtain required permits so the fisheries can operate legally, including meeting the standards of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act when it comes to harm to whales and other animals. 

NOAA reports there were 36 confirmed whale entanglements in 2024 known to have occurred in West Coast fisheries. This is the highest number of confirmed entanglements since 2018.  Fourteen of those entanglements were confirmed to be in Dungeness crab fishing gear originating from fisheries off California, Oregon and Washington. 

Dungeness crab fishing gear is the most commonly identified gear entangling large whales off of California, Oregon and Washington. State managers have been deferring to the launch of the new Take Reduction Team (previously scheduled to begin in Spring 2025) to establish science-based limits on threatened and endangered humpback whale entanglements. In the absence of federal involvement, the burden now shifts to the states to implement measures to limit entanglements and comply with federal law. California’s Dungeness crab fishery is currently operating under a legal settlement until they obtain the necessary federal Incidental Take Permit.

Oceana’s California Campaign Director Geoff Shester released the following statement: 

“The Trump Administration’s latest cuts harm whales and create uncertainty for West Coast fisheries and they should reverse course immediately and restore funding to NOAA and its Take Reduction Team to protect wildlife and follow the law. This abdication of federal responsibility means that West Coast states must now step up their efforts to ensure whale entanglements are reduced to negligible levels as required by federal law. This includes shortening the fishing seasons for conventional vertical line fisheries, closing high risk areas, and allowing for the use of whale-safe pop-up gear in spring months. We call on West Coast states to fill the gaps left by the federal administration’s bad decisions and step up efforts to protect whales and ensure sustainable crab fisheries.”  

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit  Oceana.org to learn more.