PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife is changing regulations to protect humpback whales.
ODFW is moving the May 1 “late season” regulations to April 1 this year to reduce the risk of whale entanglements in commercial crab gear.
One of the regulations will require commercial fishermen to work in waters less than 240 feet deep and use 20% fewer pots, along with other regulations.
The Marine Fisheries Service attributes entanglements of three humpback whales in 2024 and four whales in 2025 to Oregon crab fishing gear.