Spanner crabs will be off limits throughout Queensland from midnight 20 November until midnight 20 December inclusive.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Brett Depper said the closure was vital to protect the species at vulnerable times in their life cycle, such as during spawning season.

"Closed seasons prevent people from fishing at certain times of the year to protect valuable breeding stock," he said.

“These closures ensure there are healthy fish stores for current and future generations of Queensland anglers.”

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

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

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

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