More Than 100 Female Crabs Seized
25 May, 2004

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries officers have seized more than 100 female mud crabs following a surveillance operation at Donnybrook, just north of Bribie Island early this morning (May 25).

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers apprehended two men at 2am this morning and seized their boat and 50-horse power motor.

They have been charged with being in possession of female mud crabs and excess crab pots and are due to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court at a later date.

The crabs were returned to the water this morning (May 25).

QBFP senior field officer Bryan Barry said the crabs had been tied and were hidden below the deck.

“We had been watching them closely throughout the night and when we boarded the boat discovered a large number of female mud crabs,” he said.

Mr Barry said female mud crabs were totally protected in Queensland and fines of up to $75,000 could apply.

“It is illegal to take or possess female mud crabs in Queensland for an important reason and that is to protect breeding females,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Barry 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.”

For more information about fisheries rules and regulations visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or phone the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.


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

Further information: Bryan Barry 0427 002 736
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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