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NEWS
Crabbers warned: you will be caught
Commercial crab pots raided and fishers finedQueensland crabbers are being cautioned to stick to the rules this summer after two recreational fishers were fined more than $2000 for interfering with commercial crab pots.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) acting district officer Chris Watts said crab pot interference and other illegal crabbing practices were major compliance issues for the patrol.
"After witnessing the recreational crabbers interfering with his pots, the Cabbage Tree Point commercial crabber, assisted by the Redland Bay Water Police, confronted the two men," said Mr Watts.
On inspection, the recreational crabbers were found to be in possession of an esky half full of mud crabs, illegally taken from the commercial crabber´s pots.
The recreational crabbers were each fined $1100 for unlawfully interfering with commercial crab apparatus and the crabs were returned to the owner.
Compliance agencies such as QBFP, Water Police and Maritime Safety Queensland often work together to ensure effective monitoring of all areas.
"We´ve got large areas to patrol and teamwork from all agencies certainly makes the job easier," Mr Watts said.
To combat the rising reports of crab pot interference and other illegal crabbing activities, QBFP has increased the number of patrols across the state.
"With the apparent recent increase in illegal crabbing activities, it´s obvious that some recreational fishers are just not getting the message," Mr Watts said.
"Interfering with crabbing apparatus that are not your own is a serious offence and you will be caught."
"It´s un-Australian, significantly impacts the livelihoods of our commercial crabbers and threatens the economic viability of Queensland´s commercial crabbing industry."
Those caught doing the wrong thing risk an on-the-spot fine of $1100, that´s a lot more expensive than the cost of buying a mud crab from your local seafood store.
QBFP rely on the support of the public to help protect our fishing resources for future generations.
People who suspect illegal crabbing are urged to do the right thing and report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
Of course, following the recent flooding rains, it will be a while till the crabs, crabbers and pots return. And we suspect there will be many lost pots strewn throughout the waterways. The rule is only pull your own.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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