A Bundaberg man was fined $20,000 after Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers uncovered he had committed 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994, including unlawful sale and trafficking of mud crabs.
This fine is one of several mud crab-related prosecutions across Queensland in just 7 months.
In this most recent case, surveillance footage and a seized mobile phone revealed evidence of ongoing illegal mud crab sales to multiple buyers across the region.
The Bundaberg man was found in possession of 14 female mud crabs and multiple undersized crabs and later had his fishing equipment forfeited.
Since 12 May 2025, QBFP has recorded more than $61,100 in major penalties and prosecutions found guilty in court, and $85,699 in on-the-spot FINS (Fisheries Infringement Notices) for mud crab offences statewide.
In July, a Cairns fisher was fined $12,000 and had his boat seized and destroyed after being caught interfering with crab pots that weren't his.
In September, a fisher in Ayr was fined $1,500 for obstructing officers and failing to properly mark crab pots.
In October, QBFP officers in the Airlie Beach district issued 5 infringement notices over a 6-week period for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065 in fines.
Also in October, a Brisbane fisher was fined $12,000 and had his boat and trailer forfeited after being caught with 7 female mud crabs and 27 undersize mud crabs near Beenleigh.
Together, these results demonstrate QBFP's strong investigative focus in detecting and prosecuting serious fisheries offences, and their ongoing commitment to protecting Queensland's fisheries and ensuring a fair playing field for everyone who enjoys recreational fishing.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the recruitment of 10 additional QBFP officers in July had further strengthened patrol capability across the state.
"Whether it's interfering with crab pots, taking undersized or female crabs or engaging in unlawful trade, no offence goes unnoticed and our staff are ready to take action," Ms Jacob said.
"The message is simple, and the consequences are real—if you lift someone else's pots or take crabs outside the rules, you will be caught and face serious penalties. Follow the rules or risk losing your boat, your gear and a lot of money.
"Queenslanders value their seafood and sustainable fisheries. These laws are in place to protect that resource for everyone and ensure all anglers have a positive experience on the water."
To avoid breaking the law accidentally, brush up on Queensland's recreational fishing rules.
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Contact
Email media@dpi.qld.gov.au.
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Last updated: 09 Dec 2025