After short wait, Dungeness crab season opens

BODEGA BAY - Dungeness crab season is finally under way after a delay to test the quality of this season's catch.

Crab fishermen were given the OK to set their pots in the waters off California's central coast Tuesday, meaning the tasty crustaceans could make it to markets by the end of the day.

Even though commercial crabbers were allowed to drop their pots on Sunday, fishermen were asked to wait until quality tests were conducted to haul them in. Early catch found immature crabs with too little meat.

North Coast Fisheries president Michael Lucas told the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa that crabs collected Monday afternoon were of "decent" quality. Fishermen say they expect another strong crab season this year.

Commercial crabbing season opened Monday and runs through June 30.