Patrol Warns Against Crab Pot Raiding

6 May, 2003

The Department of Primary Industries is warning people against raiding crab pots following a spate of incidents in the Bowen area.

Bowen-based Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) field officer Glynn Aland said anyone caught interfering with or stealing crab pots faced a heavy fine.

“There have been a series of thefts involving crab pots as well as people removing crabs from pots,” Mr Aland said.

“These are all offences under the Fisheries Act 1994 and anyone found breaking the regulations will be dealt with accordingly.”

Mr Aland said people needed to be aware of all the current crabbing regulations including crab pot rules as well as the size and take and possession limits.

“There is a take and possession limit of 10 male mud crabs and a minimum size limit of 15cm,” he said.

“People are also only allowed to use four crab pots. They need to be clearly marked with the owner’s name and address and if using a float must also have the owner’s name on it.”

Mr Aland said fisheries regulations were aimed at sustaining Queensland’s valuable fisheries resources.

“Rules are in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks. By following the regulations these valuable fisheries resources will be around for current and future generations of Queenslanders,” he said.

For more information about fisheries rules and regulations, contact the Bowen QBFP office on (07) 4786 3444, call the DPI Call Centre of 13 25 23 or visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.

Further information: Glynn Aland (07) 4786 3444
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

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