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Federal SBA sets up shop at Central Coast ports to help those distressed by cancelled crab season

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Despite recent test results that indicate lower levels of a dangerous toxin found in Dungeness crab off the California coast, the commercial fishery remains closed statewide.

A massive algae bloom helped push up domoic acid levels in locally-caught crabs closing the commercial season back in November. That has been financially devastating for those who depend on the season to make their living.

Last week, Governor Brown asked the federal government to issue a disaster declaration which could open up funds for those affected. In the meantime, the federal Small Business Administration—acting independently—is stepping in to offer assistance in the form of disaster loans.

David Reetz is Central Coast-based spokesperson with the SBA and said last week that these loans can go as high as $2 million at four percent interest.

"The main motivation here, unlike a regular loan, is to get people on their feet," said Reetz. "They are very flexible both in their terms and in the approval process."

CENTRAL COAST FIELD OFFICES:

San Luis Obispo County: Central Coast Women in Fisheries, 1287 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442

  • Wednesday, February 17 (12-5:00 p.m.)
  • Thursday, February 18 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  • Friday, February 19 (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

Santa Barbara County: Santa Barbara Harbor Community Room, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

  • Monday, February 22 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, February 23 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

A health advisory for recreational crabbing was lifted late last week because of lower domoic acid levels found in sampled Dungeness crabs south of Point Reyes in Marin County. 
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, areas now open to crab fishing include:

  • Recreational Dungeness crab fishery along mainland coast south of 38° 00? N Latitude (near Point Reyes in Marin County)
  • Commercial and recreational rock crab fishery along the mainland coast South of 35° 40? N Latitude (Piedras Blancas Light Station)

Areas still closed to crab fishing include:

  • Commercial Dungeness crab fishery statewide
  • Recreational Dungeness crab fishery north of 38° 00? N Latitude (near Point Reyes in Marin County)
  • Commercial and recreational rock crab fisheries north of 35° 40? N Latitude (Piedras Blancas Light Station)
  • Commercial and recreational rock crab fisheries in state waters around San Miguel, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands.