9 December 2004
Heavy fisheries fines for husband and wife
A husband and wife have been fined more than $10,000 in the Caboolture Magistrates Court for a range of mud crab offences.
Tony Le and Chung Thi Hua of Deception Bay pleaded guilty in writing and were each fined $5000 plus $64.30 court costs for being in possession of 10 female mud crabs, two undersized mud crabs and four crabs more than the take and possession limit.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) said the heavy fines sent a strong message about breaking fishing regulations.
DPI&F field officer Alistair Spicer said rules were in place to protect and conserve mud crab stocks and to ensure the sustainability of these valuable fisheries resources.
“Female mud crabs are totally protected and it is also an offence to be in possession of female mud crab claws,” he said.
“This is an important win in the fight against fisheries crimes and shows how seriously the courts consider these offences.”
Mr Spicer encouraged people to become familiar with fisheries regulations to avoid heavy penalties this summer.
The minimum size limit for mud crabs is 15cm and the take and possession limit is 10.
For more information about fisheries rules and regulations, contact the DPI&F Call Centre of 13 25 23 or visit the DPI&F Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.