News release - New blue swimmer crab rules

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/14072.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit the DPI Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[imported_admin]

New measuring techniques for blue swimmer crabs

From December 13 the new measuring technique and minimum size limit will apply for blue swimmer crabs.

The new rules will see blue swimmer crabs measured from notch-to-notch, which is the space immediately forward of their largest lateral spines, rather than the current tip-to-tip, which measures them across their carapace (shell) between their largest lateral spines.

The new minimum size limit of 11.5cm will also apply from December 13. The new rules are aimed at better utilising this valuable resource while maintaining catches at a sustainable level.

Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) resource manager Mark Doohan said the new blue swimmer crab rules followed widespread concern over crab tipping.

“Crab tipping is a practice that involves deliberately breaking the spine tip off undersized crabs so they can be taken as a legal size crab,” he said.

“However, the new measurement technique will remove the reason for crab tipping.”

Mr Doohan said the new notch-to-notch measurement of 11.5cm was smaller than the current minimum size limit but equated to a 14cm crab using the current tip-to-tip measuring method.

“Fisheries research shows that male blue swimmer crabs reach maturity at around 10cm measured from notch-to-notch meaning that only mature male crabs will continue to be taken from the wild,” he said.

“The new size limit will provide economic benefits to fishers without threatening the sustainability of blue swimmer crab stocks, allowing fishers to legally take mature male crabs measuring 11.5cm.”

Mr Doohan said even with the new rules, Queensland would continue to have the most precautionary blue swimmer crab management arrangements in Australia.

For more information about the new blue swimmer crab regulations and other fishing rules visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or phone the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.