If you were hoping for Oregon crab on your Thanksgiving table, you’re out of luck. Officials have delayed the opening of the state’s Dungeness Crab Season due to high levels of domoic acid. The toxin is blamed on warm water and algae blooms.

December 1st is the traditional start date for the season in Oregon. Hugh Link is with the state’s Dungeness Crab Commission. He says they’re hoping the season can open by December 15th. Link says they’re testing crab on a regular basis.

Link: “And I think us doing the right thing by having an abundance of caution let’s the public know that when they do buy something it’s going to be safe.”

Last year, the season was delayed until early January because of domoic acid. But Link says crabbers brought in 14.1 million pounds of crab, and netted 51 million dollars despite the short season. He says that was the highest dollar value to Oregon crab fishermen on record. Oregonians can now find fresh crab from California in their fish markets.

