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Crab fishers caught exceeding the limit

Thursday 24 September, 2009

PIRSA Fisheries Officers are urging all recreational fishers to stick to the rules while fishing for blue swimmer crabs following a patrol of popular crabbing beaches last weekend.   

Fisheries Officers checked more than 250 fishers and as a result, over 30 expiation notices were issued. In excess of 1500 blue swimmer crabs were seized and returned to the water from fishers who had either taken crabs under the legal size or exceeded the bag limit.

The recent operation covered all beaches from St Kilda in metropolitan Adelaide, around the top of Gulf St Vincent to Stansbury on the Yorke Peninsula. 

PIRSA Fisheries Regional Manager, Paul Faithow said while the majority of recreational fishers were found to be doing the right thing, it was disappointing to see some weren’t abiding by the rules.

“People who think that it is acceptable to take undersize crabs and exceed the bag limit are damaging the fishery for everyone,” he said.

“Size, bag and boat limits are an important tool in managing the State’s valuable fish stocks and ensuring their continued sustainability.

“PIRSA Fisheries will continue to patrol the popular crabbing beaches of Gulf St Vincent on a regular basis over the coming months.

“If fishers are unsure of the regulations they can send a free text message with the name of the fish to the SMSFish number 0427 767 995 and receive an immediate response listing the official size, bag and boat limit that applies to that particular species.”

Blue swimmer crab regulations:
• Daily bag limit of 40 per person and a daily boat limit of 120 (combined limits with sand crabs)
• Minimum size limit of 11cm width measured across the carapace from the base of the largest spines also applies
• Illegal to take female crabs with eggs. They must be returned to the water straight away without harm.

Anyone can report illegal fishing activity through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522.  Callers can choose to remain anonymous.