The Department of Fisheries is urging crab fishers to measure their catches carefully when the season opens next Tuesday because of a likely predominance of undersize crabs.
Fisheries compliance manager Ryan Parker said environmental conditions, like cooler temperatures and heavy rain, have had a big impact over recent months.
“The undersize crabs won’t grow until they can moult and that won’t happen until the weather and water temperatures warm up, therefore fishers may take a little longer to find legal size crabs in the early months of the season,” Mr Parker said.
“At all times fishers should measure their catches carefully and return any undersize crabs to the water before attempting to catch another crab.”
Mr Parker said the onus was always on the fisher to know the rules and Fisheries would not hesitate to fine or prosecute any rule-breakers they detect.
“People who ignore the rules or minimum size limit (127mm) can expect hefty fines,” he said.
“For example, just last week (on Thursday 20 October) a man was found guilty in Mandurah Court of being in possession of 40 undersize crabs early last season and he was ordered to pay $5,500 for the offence.
“We also thank the member of the public, who called FishWatch, to let us know about the offender’s activity and again we ask members of the community to help out by being an extra pair of eyes on the water to help protect this iconic crab fishery”.
Anyone who has information or suspects illegal activity can call FishWatch on 1800 815 507.
Further information on WA’s fishing rules can be found at fish.wa.gov.au.
