After years of seasonal delays due to dangerous domoic acid levels, recreational crab season kicked off today without health advisories.
On opening day in Sonoma County's Bodega Bay, people flocked to the water to snag some fresh crab. Whether on a boat, kayak or from the shore, traps were set out along the coast by eager crabbers.
Truncated crab seasons over the last couple of years have hit fishermen hard, which is why many were eager to celebrate the lack of delay this year. Algae blooms can cause a buildup of the poisonous acid and, once in the food chain, can become toxic to humans. The Health Department did not issue an advisory yet but will continue monitoring levels as commercial seasons begin.
Commercial crab season is slated to start Nov. 15 for the Sonoma-Mendocino county lines, and Dec. 1 for northern areas.
