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Crabs are under the spotlight

from Fishing Monthly Magazine | April 2023

from Fishing Monthly Magazine | April 2023, page 126

GEN III

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers have been investigating crab pot interference in the Logan River and surrounds.

Officers use a range of surveillance techniques to check interference, and found multiple persons lifting crab pots that didn’t belong to them. In some instances, the person stole the crab pots and was referred to the Queensland Police Service.

Recent investigations found seven individuals interfering with crab pots that didn’t belong to them, with most interfering on more than one occasion.

Fisheries Infringement

Notices (FINs) totalling more than $22,000 were issued for 16 individual interference offences.

It’s a serious offence to interfere with someone else’s equipment. You can report suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishwatch

Hotline on 1800 017 116.

TAGGED JENNIES

Fishers who support research by reporting tagged female mud crabs in QLD can get their claws on free escape vents. The reports will help researchers track the spawning migration of female mud crabs and learn more about the species.

Department of Fisheries principal scientist Dr Julie Robins said the research would help ensure mud crab fisheries remained sustainable.

“There is a lot of folklore about female mud crabs and where they go to spawn,” Dr Robins said. “Reports of tag recaptures will help us understand where females move to and how long they live for.”

If you find a mud crab with a yellow tag on its carapace, text a photo of the crab—along with the date and capture location—to the phone number printed on the tag.

Anglers

Dr Robins said those who reported a tagged mud crab would be offered a free escape vent.

“The vents enable sub-legal sized mud crabs and fish to escape, making it easier to sort your catch and reducing the risk of overcrowded crabs injuring one another,” she said.

Researchers have tagged about 500 female mud crabs in Moreton Bay, Hinchinbrook Channel, rivers in Weipa and Mapoon and Broadsound/ Stanage. They plan to tag another 1,500 mud crabs in other areas of Queensland. – QLD DPI