Does California need a state crustacean? Healdsburg Assembly member authors bill to urge Dungeness crabs

Introduced by Assemblymember Jim Wood with North Coast State Sen. Mike McGuire, the bill purports to give the humble decapods official respect as a scuttling tentpole of the state's fishing industry.

A new bill introduced Friday would designate Dungeness crab as California’s state crustacean.

Introduced by Assemblymember Jim Wood with North Coast State Sen. Mike McGuire as the principal co-author, the bill purports to give the humble decapods official respect as a scuttling tentpole of the state’s fishing industry. In Humboldt County, crabbing is a significant economic boon to many fishermen, though recently, they have had little to “shell”-ebrate. Annual delays to crabbing season, smaller hauls and ongoing price negotiations with fish distribution companies present ongoing struggles pinching local fishermen.

“The Dungeness crab is an iconic crustacean in California and one that has made a significant contribution to the economies of coastal communities in California and to those in the commercial fishing industry,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) in an email to the Times-Standard. “We need to recognize the importance of the Dungeness crab to our state, to the commercial fishing industry and the communities that depend on its health and abundance.”

Wood knows he’s going to hear some jokes about it, he said in a social media post.

“Hope our bill brings awareness of the positive impact the #DungenessCrab has to the economies of the North Coast and other California coastal communities. Looking forward to hearing the crab puns. Send in your best. I’m sure they’ll crack me up,” Wood posted on Twitter, now called X.

The text of the law itself names many California coastal towns, including Eureka, as the state’s crab fishing hubs.

“Metacarcinus magister, known as Dungeness crab, is an iconic California coast specialty and has long supported fishing ports up and down northern and central California. Recreational crab fishing also bolsters local hospitality businesses, bringing patrons to incredible coastal restaurants and inns,” the bill said.

The bill’s full text may be found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1797.

Jackson Guilfoil can be reached at 707-441-0506.