NSW Fisheries getting its claws into crab trap offenders

NSW Fisheries is reminding fishers to do the right thing following a recent spate of crab trapping offences along the State's north coast.

A commercial fisher from Tweed Heads will be prosecuted after being found last week in Cabarita Lake without a valid licence, exceeding the bag limit for mud crabs and using an excessive number of crab traps. NSW Fisheries officers seized his boat and crab traps.

"We are particularly concerned that both recreational and commercial trappers get it right as blue swimmer and mud crabs are now reaching the peak of their season on the north coast," NSW Fisheries Northern Regional Manager, Max Withnell, said.

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

Mr Withnell reminds recreational crabbers that they can use 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.

At Lake Macquarie in the Hunter region, however, use of all traps is banned. NSW Fisheries has confiscated more than 190 illegal crab traps since Boxing Day.

"Visitors and residents are reminded that there is a total trap ban for all waters of Lake Macquarie, including all tributaries and creeks flowing into the lake. This ban includes crab traps and 'opera house' style yabby traps," Mr Withnell said.

"Details of trap dimensions, bag and size limits, and closed waters are all available in the new 2003-2004 NSW Fisheries Saltwater Fishing Guide.

"The free guide is available from NSW Fisheries offices, fishing licence agents, like bait and tackle shops, as well as from the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au."

Licenced commercial fishers may use crab and/or fish traps to catch mud crabs and blue swimmer crabs respectively, depending on their licence endorsement. Regulations specify the number of commercial traps that may be used and how they are to be marked.

Most importantly, only the owner of a trap should lift or use it. It is an offence for any person to interfere with any set fishing gear.

"Theft of traps and crabs from traps will not be tolerated and offenders may be referred to the police," said Mr Withnell.

Maximum penalties of up to $5,500 apply for interference with crab traps.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kristina Resanceff 8437 4915 or Eric Aubert on 0419 185 375