Don't throw a spanner in the works this spawning season

[Fisheries Queensland]

Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

18 November 2013
Don’t throw a spanner in the works this spawning season

The annual spanner crab closed season commences from midnight 20 November through to midnight 20 December inclusive.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Russell Overton said the closed season protects spanner crabs during their breeding season when they are most vulnerable.

“The closed season gives the crabs a chance to spawn, and helps replenish crab stocks for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Overton said.

“It is especially important during this time to ensure that any spanner crabs caught unintentionally should be carefully removed and quickly returned to the water.

“Anyone caught disregarding the closed season for spanner crabs could face a maximum penalty of $110,000 or an on-the-spot fine of $440.”

Mr Overton said fishers should keep in mind that size and possession limits apply during the open season.

“Spanner crabs have a possession limit of 20 and a minimum size limit of 10 cm measured from the centre spine to the mid carapace base along the back,” he said.

“Fishers should also remember that it is illegal to take egg-bearing (berried) female spanner crabs at any time of the year.

“In order to keep crabbing as one of Queensland’s greatest pastimes, fishers need to act responsibly.

“It’s extremely important for recreational fishers to abide by the crabbing rules.

“Being a responsible crabber means using the right number of pots or dillies (four per person), marking them correctly, and being able to identify your catch.”

For more information on spanner crabs or closed seasons, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

Media: Jodana Anglesey, 3087 8601

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[solemandownunder]

Bet Charter boats can pay a lil "dollars" and get them all the same...or is this DIFFERENT this time

ONE rule.....bah humbug

[Gazza]

?? smdu ?? .... ??

[solemandownunder]

?? smdu ?? .... ??

Gazza, my reply was tongue in cheek about another thread where Charter Operators are exempt from closures..after paying for permits to fish in closed season, whereby the REST of us cannot