Fishers urged to follow rules on catching mud crabs

The Department of Fisheries is urging people to respect the rules when heading out to get a feed of mud crabs.

There are two species of mud crab in the Pilbara — green mud crab and brown mud crab — each with different size %limits.

DoF senior fisheries and marine officer Matt Gogoll said crabs could only be caught by hand, blunt wire hook, drop net or scoop net. “Brown and green mud crabs mature at different sizes and that is why each species has its own minimum legal size limit,” he said.

“It is important that fishers can identify distinguishing features of each species of mud crab.”

Mr Gogoll said a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence was required whether catching crabs from a powered boat or using one to get to your fishing destination.

A combined species bag limit of 5 crabs per fisher applies.

There is a boat limit of 10 crabs even if there are more than two RFBL holders aboard. Totally protected crabs include egg-carrying females, brown mud crabs less than 120mm and green mud crabs less than 150mm.

Mr Gogoll said totally protected crabs must be returned to the water immediately if caught, before attempting to catch another crab.

All uncooked crabs must be kept in whole form, unless being prepared for immediate consumption.

Fishers observing illegal fishing activity are encouraged to report it to the FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 815 507.