Fisher fined $35,000 for selling crabs caught illegally in Queensland

A Queensland fisher has been fined $35,000 after NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) fisheries officers seized 232 illegally caught mud crabs consigned for sale at Sydney Fish Market.

DPI Acting Director of Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said NSW fisheries officers acted after being alerted by quality assurance staff at Sydney Fish Market.

"A consignment of 13 boxes of female mud crabs was seized and DNA testing in Queensland confirmed that the catch originated in Queensland," Mr Andrews said.

"Female mud crabs can be lawfully possessed and sold in NSW, but they are protected in Queensland.

"Investigations in Queensland revealed that the consignment had been air freighted to NSW from Turkey Beach by a fisher with a history of similar offences.

"The fisher pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court and was fined $35,000 for possessing 232 female mud crabs and selling them across the border in NSW.

"The hefty fine and forfeiture of the $7,000 consignment sends a clear message to fishers that borders provide no protection to those undertaking illegal fishing activity."

The prosecution was made possible through collaboration of Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) investigators, NSW fisheries officers and Sydney Fish Market.

"Fishing rules and regulations can be different across borders, but individuals are responsible for knowing the rules and sticking to them," QBFP investigator, Deryk Smith, said.

"Queensland and NSW fisheries officers work collaboratively across the states to ensure effective monitoring of all areas.

"With significant areas to patrol on both sides of the border, authorities rely heavily on the assistance of the community to protect our fishing resources."

Information on illegal fishing in NSW should be reported to the Fisher’s Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536 and in Queensland to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

For more information on NSW fishing rules go to www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au and or find out more Queensland fishing rules go to www.fisheries.qld.gov.au

Email: