California's Dungeness crab season is delayed again, but don't blame the whales this time.
Crabbers and wholesalers are haggling over price. The commercial catch was supposed to start tomorrow along the North Coast after two previous delays since mid-November to protect migrating whales. Buyers are only offering to pay about $2.50/lb while crabbers want a buck more.
Last year, they agreed on $3/lb, although retail prices usually range from $7 to as much as $20/lb. Negotiations continue, but Dungeness is definitely off the Christmas table and New Year's is doubtful.