194 Illegal, Abandoned Dungeness Crab Traps Discovered In Norcal Waters

Investigators found 194 abandoned traps and violations that endangered wildlife and wasted hundreds of crabs.

By Angela Woodall, Patch Staff

Sep 10, 2026 7:39 AM PDT

Wildlife officers uncovered hundreds of abandoned traps off two Northern California rivers after separate fishing seasons. (California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

BAY AREA, CA — California officials suspended two commercial fishermen's licenses and permits after investigators found 194 abandoned Dungeness crab traps off the Del Norte County coast.

The California Fish and Game Commission suspended the commercial fishing licenses of Darryl Donovan, 66, of Gilroy, and Terry Groat, 60, of Crescent City, for two years. The commission also suspended their Dungeness crab vessel permits for four years.

The commission approved the suspensions at its Aug. 12-13 meeting after receiving recommendations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

CDFW wildlife officers began investigating abandoned traps off the Klamath River after the 2023-24 Dungeness crab fishing season. The investigation began with a joint patrol involving the CDFW Marine Enforcement District and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay.

Officers found at least 107 abandoned traps belonging to Donovan. His violations included failing to service traps within the required 96 hours, failing to submit mandatory fishing reports, and fishing with untagged and improperly marked buoys.

After the 2024-25 season, officers investigated several strings of abandoned traps belonging to Groat off the mouth of the Smith River.

Officers found 87 abandoned traps belonging to Groat. His violations included failing to service traps within 96 hours, fishing with untagged buoys, failing to submit mandatory fishing reports, and permitting or causing the waste of hundreds of Dungeness crabs.

CDFW said abandoned traps can trap or entangle marine mammals and other wildlife. Derelict gear can also shorten fishing seasons for fishermen who depend on those opportunities for their livelihoods.

CDFW wildlife officers patrol California's 840-mile coastline and enforce laws protecting marine fish and wildlife. The department and commission said they will continue reviewing commercial fishing violations and taking administrative action against people who harm the state's ocean environment.