
Aficionados of fresh Dungeness crab in the Bay Area now have easier access to purchase it from commercial crabbers thanks to installation of a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) float for off-the-boat sales at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The port is completing the first phase of the Wharf J9 Replacement Project, featuring the new ADA-accessible float and road upgrades along Al Scoma Way in conjunction with this year’s off-the-boat sales.
“We’re excited to deliver the first phase of this project to support our local fishers, increase public access and ensure the Wharf remains a vibrant hub for the community and local businesses,” Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes said.
Wharf J9 lies in the protected shoreline harbor of the Outer Lagoon area of Fisherman’s Wharf, with public access and berthing for working boats.
Traditionally, commercial harvesters at Wharf J9 relied on stern tie berths with ladder access for their sales to the public. The new float offers safer boat access for both harvesters and the public.
The float is part of the first of two phases of construction of the Wharf J9 replacement project, funded by 2018 Proposition A General Obligation Bond proceeds.
The second phase is slated to replace the aging seawall with a modern, resilient structure capable of withstanding seismic activity and addressing sea level rise.
Permitted crabbers have since 2021 been allowed to sell directly from their vessels; their locations are available on the port’s website at sfport.com/offboatsales.
Public sales of crab began Jan. 5. Individual harvesters can utilize the FishLine mobile app to provide real-time updates regarding sales hours and locations.