A man caught with over 100 crabs more than the daily bag limit is expected to face court and potential fines of up to $20,000.
Last month Fisheries Officers were undertaking patrols at Thompson Beach north of Adelaide when they saw a man emptying his esky onto the tidal flats after returning from crabbing allegedly in a bid to avoid officers checking his catch.
Fisheries Officers will allege the 49-year-old man from Davoren Park had a total of 126 blue swimmer crabs, 124 of which were undersize. The daily bag limit is 20 per person.
The man’s esky and crabs were seized. It will also be alleged the fisher did not have a gauge to measure the crabs, which must be a minimum of 11cm when measured from the base of the largest spines.
The man is expected to face court at a later date, where he could face fines of up to $20,000 plus an additional penalty of five times the commercial value of the illegally taken crabs.
With summer now upon us, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham reminded fishers to follow the rules.
“This detection should act as a reminder to those who may be tempted to flout the laws that if they do the wrong thing they will be caught,” Minister Basham said.
“Thank you to the members of the responsible fishing community who call Fishwatch to report people doing the wrong thing. We use this important information to make sure we are focusing our efforts where they are needed.
“Illegal or suspicious fishing activity can be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch number 1800 065 522. Callers can speak to a Fisheries Officer and may choose to remain anonymous.
“Alternatively, reports of illegal fishing activity can be made through the SA Recreational Fishing Guide app, available via www.pir.sa.gov.au/recfishingapp.”
