Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Media release
18 December 2013

Spanner crab season reopens in time for Christmas

Spanner crab lovers can look forward to featuring it on their Christmas table from 21 December when the annual closed season reopens.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Russell Overton said spanner crabs have been off limits since 20 November to protect the species during their spawning period.

“The closed season has allowed crabs to spawn and helps secure healthy crab stocks for current and future crab lovers to enjoy,” he said.

Mr Overton said in order to keep crabbing as one of Queensland’s greatest pastimes, commercial and recreational fishers needed to act responsibly.

“It’s extremely important for fishers to abide by crabbing rules. If caught doing the wrong thing, they will be fined,” he said.

“Recreational fishers are reminded that a minimum size limit of 10 cm and maximum possession limit of 20 apply to spanner crabs.

“To correctly measure spanner crabs, fishers should measure along the centre spine to the mid carapace base.

“Egg-bearing (berried) female spanner crabs are protected in Queensland, and should be immediately returned to the water unharmed if caught.

“Being a responsible crabber also means using the right number of pots or dillies (4 per person) and marking them correctly.”

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

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