Oregon Approves Testing of On-Demand Crabbing Gear to Reduce Whale Entanglements | Oceana

Victory | August 14, 2026

Oregon Approves Testing of On-Demand Crabbing Gear to Reduce Whale Entanglements

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously adopted new rules for testing on-demand fishing gear in the state’s Dungeness crab fishery. These measures follow campaigning by Oceana and will help prevent whales from becoming entangled in the vertical lines and floating buoys used with conventional crab gear. The Commission will also require electronic vessel monitoring for all crab fishing vessels, providing more accurate data on fishing activities. Both measures are set to begin in 2027 and represent promising developments for reducing whale entanglements while continuing to support fishing opportunities.