The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed the upcoming opening of the spiny lobster season in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. The start of the season was delayed due to concerns about domoic acid exposure in the lobsters, which has been assessed and no longer considered a significant threat in these regions. In their recent statement, the CDFW announced that both the recreational and commercial lobster seasons received the go-ahead. Recreational fishing is due to begin at 6 p.m. today and commercial fishing before dawn on Wednesday, October 18.
Delayed as a consequence of elevated levels of domoic acid, a neurotoxin that can be harmful to humans, the spiny lobster season was under evaluation. However, according to the CDFW, recent tests have shown a decrease in domoic acid levels in the lobsters, below the health hazard threshold, accounting for the decision to commence the season.
The change of decision to open the season came after testing results indicated that domoic acid levels in the lobsters were below the health hazard limit. Both the October 2 and October 9 samples demonstrated domoic acid levels below the federal action level of ≥ 20 parts per million, allowing consumers to safely partake of the seafood delicacy.
