Washington state delays Dungeness crab season

APNewsNow.

SEATTLE – Officials in Washington state say Dungeness crab season will start two weeks later due to harmful algae.

KING-TV reports that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Friday that the opening of the season on Washington’s coast is being moved from Dec. 1 to Dec. 16.

Officials say the crabs contain domoic acid that can build up in crabs and is like poison for the brain for anyone who consumes the crabs.

Officials say it can lead to short-term memory loss and even death.

Officials also say the crabs are low in meat and need more time to grow.