The North Coast is undeniably crab country. Our traditionally cold coastal waters have been perfect for producing some of our nation’s healthiest crab harvests.

This harvest, a time-honored tradition since the mid 1800s here in Northern California, represents a change of season.

We gather with our neighbors at local markets to purchase the freshest crab just days after the season opens. We come together to celebrate the holidays with friends and family by cracking crab and thousands of us roll up our sleeves and attend crab feed after crab feed to support our best local charities — usually toting personal butter warmers and lemon wedges.

And, all of those crab pots we see on the docks represent thousands of jobs.

So, when North Coast crab tested with high levels of a naturally occurring toxin, fishermen, industry leaders and public officials all came together, as partners, to call for a delayed opening to the crab season to ensure the public’s safety. This is despite the fact that the livelihoods of local crab fishermen, their families and crews will be adversely impacted and our Thanksgiving dinner tables will be free of our favorite fresh crustacean.

Read the full story at Marin Independent Journal >>

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