Moreton Bay crabber caught with undersized catch

A man has been fined $6000 and had his crab pots seized after being caught with under-sized and protected crabs, a shovel nosed ray and non-compliant gear at Mud Island in Moreton Bay.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the man was found to have 28 undersized blue swimmer crabs, two of which were protected females, and none of his crab pots were properly marked.

The man pleaded guilty to all charges in the Southport Magistrates Court.

“This sort of disregard for our rules has a serious impact on an important community resource and the livelihoods of the commercial sector this fishery supports,” Mr Furner said.

“All fishers need to understand the regulations and requirements around size limits and the proper marking of crab pots. Otherwise, you will be caught and you will go to court.

“Tough enforcement is vital to building a legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren.”

Member for Lytton Joan Pease said every recreational and commercial fisher shared the responsibility for responsible fishing.

“These resources belong to all Queenslanders and we need to make sure they are protected for future generations,” Ms Pease said.

“This is a lifestyle for so many Queenslanders and we need to protect the fishery if we want future generations to enjoy it.

“It is not just fishing at stake here. It is the thousands of jobs that rely on the commercial and recreational fishing industries that we need to protect.”

Mr Furner said the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) uses technology and other techniques to uncover illegal activities, including surveillance cameras. 

“We also recently deployed drones as part of our compliance enforcement effort, making it even harder for people to hide illegal activities.”

For more information on Queensland’s fishing regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920

Images attached: Illegally-obtained crab from Mud Island in Moreton Bay