Will this fine stop them i think not, they will get more to make up for the fine its the way there think and nothing will change that.


A Darra restaurant has been fined $17,000 in the Richlands Magistrates Court for possession and intent to use illegal mud crabs.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Manager Brett Depper said the restaurant was searched following a tip off from the public.

'QBFP executed a search warrant and found 66 female mud crabs and 37 undersize male mud crabs in the kitchen,' Mr Depper said.

'All of these crabs were still alive apart from one that was being handled by a kitchen hand.

'The crabs were seized as evidence, and after inspection were able to be released alive into the Brisbane River at Pinkenba.

'The fine amount reflects the seriousness of the crime, as it impacts the sustainability of the crab fishery should female and undersize crabs be taken by fishers.

'Female mud crabs have been a protected species in Queensland for over 100 years, so there’s no excuse for not knowing the rules.'

Mr Depper said the proprietor was unable to provide receipts for the purchase of the crabs, so it was also suspected the crabs were from an unlicensed person.

'This type of back door buying of fisheries resources from unlicensed people is a blow to the commercial fishing industry,' he said.

'Not only do you risk buying illegal product as this proprietor did, but it was also being sold illegally.

'Licensed crabbers pay fees to operate legitimately in the fishery, and black marketing of product affects their commercial viability.