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Mud crab safari has costly sequel for North Queensland fishing party
News release | 18 May, 2009
The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol is warning any crabbers who are tempted to take undersized and female crabs they could end up having a costly day in court.
The stark warning comes after a North Queensland magistrate imposed fines totaling $9500 on six men found with up to 22 undersize and four female mud crabs.
The men, all from Ingham, were on a fishing trip to nearby Palm Creek when intercepted by two QBFP patrol officers.
Three of the men were at camp cooking the undersized male and female crabs, while three others were fishing from a boat downstream, and admitted to having more illegal crabs in an esky on the boat.
When the matter was brought before Ingham Magistrates Court earlier this month, each man was fined between $750 and $2000 for their part in the illegal haul.
Speaking outside the court, Ingham district officer Graeme Broughall said the size of the fines showed how seriously the offences were taken by the judiciary.
"Mud crabs are a prized species for all consumers of seafood, but their continued enjoyment relies on the careful management of their population," Mr Broughall said.
"Taking vast amounts of juvenile and female mud crabs out of the natural system can devastate populations - and the result for those tempted to do this will be costly court proceedings and a sizeable fine."
He reminded all fishers to make sure they were up-to-date with rules and regulations before setting off on a fishing trip.
For more information, visit the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website on www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Andrea Corby, +61 7 4760 1548
