DPI surveillance catches crab trapping offenders

Fishers are being reminded to follow the rules when fishing for crabs, after several illegal crab trapping offences were detected on the NSW north coast.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald said the rules are in place to ensure we have a sustainable crab fishery which can be enjoyed by all fishers.

“In the last week targeted operations by DPI fisheries officers on the north coast have found more than 75 illegally-used or unmarked crab traps,” Mr Macdonald said.

“On the Clarence River a number of commercial fishers are under investigation for using more than the permitted number of crab traps.

“The same operation has seized large numbers of falsely-identified or unmarked and unattended crab traps in the Clarence and the Laurieton area,” Mr Macdonald said.

Minister Macdonald said one recreational fisher in the Tweed could face fines of more than $100 thousand and up to three months in jail.

“He will be charged with black market offences for allegedly selling more than 40kg of mud crabs to a retail outlet last Thursday, he will also be charged with exceeding the recreational bag limit,” he said.

"With the peak mud crab season around the corner on the north coast its vital that both recreational and commercial trappers get it right.

"We want people to enjoy fishing for these high value delicacies, but it's important that we all follow the rules to ensure we have a sustainable crab fishery.”

Recreational crabbers are reminded that they are allowed one crab trap per person, and up to five hoop or lift nets, of legal size. The buoy attached to a recreational trap must be marked with the words "CRAB TRAP", followed by the name and address of the person setting the trap.

He said surveillance operations would continue on the north coast and people found doing the wrong thing, including interfering with someone else’s traps, will face stiff penalties.

"Details of trap dimensions, marking requirements and bag and size limits are available on the DPI website and in the new 2006-2007 NSW Department of Primary Industries Saltwater Fishing Guide.

"The free guide is available from NSW DPI offices and fishing licence agents, like bait and tackle shops. The information is also available on the NSW DPI website, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au," the Minister said.

A high resolution image of crab traps being seized is available on request.