Crab population to improve with recreational size limit changes

3 Mar 2021

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries has announced changes to recreational Blue Swimmer Crab size limits set to come into effect from 30 April 2021.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director General Fisheries Sean Sloan said these changes will result in an overall improvement in the abundance of crabs.

“The small increase in the size limit for blue swimmer crabs from 6.0cm to 6.5cm will assist total egg production by protecting spawning crabs and improve the productivity of the stock over time,” Mr Sloan said.

“It will also provide consistency between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors and provide an overall improvement in the abundance of crabs.

“The changes will come into effect on 30 April this year so we wanted to give fishers as much notice as possible.

“NSW Fisheries will be out in the community over the coming weeks to speak to fishers to make sure they are aware of the changes and answer any questions they may have."

Mr Sloan said these changes have been implemented following consultation with and support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council.

“These changes are being implemented following consultation with and support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council who do a fantastic job representing the interest of fishers,” Mr Sloan said.

“The recreational fishing industry is worth $3.4 billion in economic activity every year so it’s critical we all work together to ensure the sustainability of this fantastic resource."

More information about the recreational fishing rule changes  are available online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au, or by contacting your local NSW DPI Fisheries office.

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