$18,000 fine for Logan River crabbing offences
Fisheries Queensland·Monday, May 8, 2017https://www.facebook.com/rsrc.php/v3..._kf1vXYV_O.png
A Mt Warren Park man has been fined $18,000 in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court for multiple fisheries offences on the Logan River.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Rob McDonald said the fisher faced 17 charges following a three-month investigation into illegal crabbing and the subsequent sale of crabs.
“The charges included taking and possessing female and undersize male mud crabs, selling crabs without a licence, using excess and unmarked crab pots, possessing crab meat and a commercial fishing net,” Mr McDonald said.
“QBFP officers observed the fisher working crab pots on the Logan River at Alberton a number of times and found bags containing large numbers of undersize and female mud crabs hidden in mangroves.
“Fisheries officers intercepted the man in the act of picking up crabs concealed in green hessian bags hidden in the river bank.
“A search warrant executed at the fisher’s house located more female and undersize mud crabs, more than five kilograms of crab meat and a commercial size fishing net.
“The defendant told Fisheries officers he was aware it was illegal to keep undersize and female mud crabs in Queensland, stating he had sold crabs up to eight times in the past month for around $10 per crab.
“QBFP seized 28 live male mud crabs and 13 live female mud crabs found at his residence and they were all released alive back into nearby waters.”
The fisher was fined $18,000 after pleading guilty to all charges in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol relies on the ongoing support of the community to help protect Queensland’s valuable fishing resources.
If people suspect illegal fishing, they should report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. Don’t engage the person, as this can compromise an investigation.
For more information on Queensland fishing rules and regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.
Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).
