This week, Game and Fish agencies across the United States are navigating several pressing challenges and regulatory changes as the fall season settles in. In California, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has opened the recreational Dungeness crab season for much of the state beginning November first, though a significant health hazard has delayed the opening in northern California following the detection of unsafe levels of domoic acid, a marine biotoxin. State health officials warn that consuming crab viscera from some regions could pose serious health risks and have prohibited recreational take of Dungeness crab in the affected zones. These events highlight the increasing impact of climate and environmental disruptions on traditional fisheries, prompting more frequent delays and assessments according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission met on November fifth to advance several major agenda items. Among the most notable were proposed updates to the rules for marine special activity licenses, which manage genetic risks and tagging procedures for marine organisms, and stricter recreational and commercial size limits for Gulf lane snapper, seeking to curb overfishing and create regulatory consistency between state and federal waters. Additionally, the Commission voted to add the Carolina hammerhead shark to Florida’s list of prohibited species due to its visual similarity with other vulnerable species and the critical importance of protecting coastal nursery habitats. Staff also provided a comprehensive update on fisheries and recovery efforts in Lake Okeechobee, reflecting ongoing restoration priorities.
Across the country, November marks a decisive period for wildlife governance, as commissions in twenty-two states hold their final meetings of the year, weighing essential policies around species management, representation in decision-making, and science-based guidelines. For instance, Texas is considering its first mountain lion management plan, inviting public input at its November meeting in El Paso. Wyoming’s Game and Fish Commission convened in Laramie to gather comments in person and via Zoom, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement as policy frameworks evolve.
Nationally, yesterday saw the implementation of the 2025-2026 station-specific hunting and fishing regulations, with forty-two new opportunities for hunting and angling now available across federal lands, according to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing for its Migratory Bird Regulations Committee meeting on November thirteenth. This committee will review the status of migratory game birds and develop recommendations for the upcoming hunting season, a crucial step in federal rulemaking that directly shapes seasonal limits and conservation strategies for birds that traverse across state and national boundaries.
With heightened public health concerns, increased participation in rulemaking, and new conservation measures coming into effect, Game and Fish agencies are emphasizing local partnership, adaptive management, and science-driven decision-making as they strive to respond to ecological and community needs in a rapidly changing landscape.
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