More California coast reopens to Dungeness crab fishing

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ― California officials announced a 50-mile stretch of commercial Dungeness crab fishery will reopen after tests showed a drop in acid levels.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported (bit.ly/2h2vDda) the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced it would open crab fishing in the area between Point Reyes in Marin County and Salt Point in Sonoma County. Fishing grounds north of Salt Point through the North Jetty of Humboldt Bay will remain closed.

Officials shut down the fishing area because of high domoic acid levels. It almost wiped out last year’s season and hurt the state’s crab industry.

When people eat seafood contaminated with the toxin, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea and dizziness. Severe cases could cause seizures, coma or death. Health officials said there has been no such illnesses reported this year.