Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin produced by Pseudo-nitzschia, a naturally occurring single-celled, marine alga under certain ocean conditions. Domoic acid can accumulate in shellfish, other invertebrates and sometimes fish without the organism becoming ill themselves. At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.
To reduce your chances of domoic acid exposure:
- Follow the state's latest Marine Biotoxin Quarantines and Health Advisories
- Check out these Safety Tips for Cooking and Cleaning Dungeness Crabs
On October 30, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife delayed the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season from the California/Oregon border to Point Conception until at least January 1, 2027. The commercial season delay and recreational trap restriction is required due to the number of humpback whale entanglements during the 2026 calendar year. In aerial surveys done in mid-October over fishing areas 2 and 3, more than 70 humpback whales were spotted between Pigeon Point and Cape Mendocino.
