Modified crab traps banned in NSW estuaries

3 Feb 2017

Recreational and commercial fishers have been advised using modified crab traps as lift nets will be banned in NSW waters from 3 February 2017.

From 3 February 2017, fisheries officers will lift modified traps, release any crabs and return the trap to the water in a way that will stop the gear from continuing to fish. The owner of the gear will receive a written notification that it can no longer be used in NSW. From 10 February 2017, all non-compliant nets will be seized and sanctions may be imposed.

From 3 February 2017 all non-compliant commercial fishing gear will be seized at first inspection, though commercial fishers may apply for non-compliant gear to be returned so it can be modified to meet regulations.

Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Acting Deputy Director General Sarah Fairfull said hoop or lift nets are able to be used in waters in which crab traps are currently prohibited.

"Collapsible crab traps are similar to lift nets in that they have two hoops joined by mesh, so when the side supports are removed the trap technically meets the current definition of a hoop or lift net," she said.

"The problem is the modified traps have funnel-shaped entrances around the sides which allow the crabs to enter but prevent them from leaving, so they are still traps in the usual sense."

Sarah Fairfull said the additional entrances and the funnels which trap the crabs make the modified traps much more efficient than a hoop or lift net, and their increasing use among anglers posed a risk to crab stocks and fishers alike.

"The fishing regulations are in place to protect fish stocks for the benefit of all NSW residents."

"Using these traps in waters where only hoop or lift nets are allowed poses a real risk to the stocks of mud crabs and blue-swimmer crabs, and creates confusion among other anglers who would otherwise be following the regulations."

DPI Fisheries will issue a notification under Section 8 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 to ban the use of modified traps as hoop or lift nets anywhere in NSW for five years.

The prohibition will apply to the taking of any species of fish from any NSW waters using a hoop or lift net that has any entrances around the sides. In the case of commercial fishers, the use of hoop or lift nets that have an entrance in the top that is fitted with a funnel or other modification to prevent crabs escaping, or where the rings or frames do not sit on the bed of the estuary when set, will also be prohibited.

More information

Media contact: 02 6391 3686