
California Fishermen Lose Licenses for Abandoning Crab Traps
The California Fish and Game Commission has revoked the commercial fishing licenses of two Dungeness crab fishermen after they abandoned dozens of traps in Northern California waters. The decision follows recommendations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Darryl Donovan, 66, from Gilroy, was found to have left 107 traps near the Klamath River, failing to service them within the required timeframe and not submitting mandatory fishing reports. Terry Groat, 60, from Crescent City, abandoned 87 traps near the Smith River and also neglected to service them and submit reports.
The California Commercial Fishing Digest states that it is illegal to leave crab traps in the water after the fishing season ends on July 30. The Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasized that abandoned traps pose risks to marine wildlife and can negatively impact the fishing opportunities for compliant fishermen.
