Whale-Safe Gear Approved for California’s Coonstripe Shrimp Fishery | Oceana

Victory | February 28, 2026

Whale-Safe Gear Approved for California’s Coonstripe Shrimp Fishery

The California Fish and Game Commission authorized the voluntary use of whale-safe pop-up fishing gear in the state’s coonstripe shrimp trap fishery. This innovative gear will help reduce whale entanglements typically caused by the vertical ropes used with conventional fishing traps or pots. Oceana helped develop the new regulations, working collaboratively with government officials, fishers, and other allies. Oceana will continue to campaign to expand the use of this whale-safe alternative gear in this fishery and other trap fisheries.