Crabbing is one of the most popular forms of fishing in Queensland, and over the holiday season crabbers need to ensure they're sticking to the rules.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Bob Russell said it was extremely important for all crabbers to check the rules before crabbing and act responsibly.

"Being a responsible crabber means using the right number of pots or dillies (four per person), marking them correctly, and being able to identify males from females," he said.

"Every crabber should have a crab gauge to measure male crabs and ensure they are legal size, and release any female or undersize crabs immediately to the water.

"These restrictions are essential to ensuring other recreational crabbers and future generations can share in good catches for years to come."

Crab size and possession limits

  • Blue swimmer crab: size limit of 11.5 cm min, no possession limit
  • Mud crab: size limit of 15 cm min, possession limit of 10
  • Spanner crab*: size limit of 10 cm min, possession limit of 20
  • Three-spot crab: size limit of 10 cm min, no possession limit

* Throughout Queensland a closed season applies to spanner crabs from midnight 20 November to midnight 20 December inclusive.
Mr Russell said that while crabbing was an easy and accessible way to fish, we need to consider how it affects the environment.

"Some crab pots can trap other marine animals or become lost and may continue to 'ghost fish'," he said.

"To minimise the impact on the environment, crabbers need to ensure their equipment complies with the legal requirements.

"All crab apparatus must be attached by a rope to either a float or fixed object above the high water mark.

"Floats or ropes need to be marked with your name and the apparatus marked with name and address.

"Crabbers should also make sure that pots are in a sufficient depth of water at all stages of the tide, ensuring marine animals are not exposed to the sun and unwanted crabs can be released alive."

Mr Russell said the sale of crabs and fish without a commercial licence was strictly prohibited and heavy penalties apply.

"QBFP officers will be out and about over the holiday period to ensure crabbers are sticking to the rules.

"Those doing the wrong thing are risking an on-the-spot fine of $440 and a maximum penalty of $110,000.

"People who suspect illegal fishing are urged to do the right thing and report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116."

The Queensland Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide contains all the fishing rules and is readily available online at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 25 23.

For more information on crabbing in Queensland visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

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