The Crabbing Code of Conduct developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) for recreational crabbing in Western Australia provides guidelines on best fishing practices when catching a feed of crab.
Crab fisheries between Swan River and Binningup have been closed from 1 September to 30 November to protect female crabs during the spring spawning season. The existing year-round closure for Cockburn Sound will remain for the 2023-24 season, however, recreational crabbers may fish north of a line between Woodman Point and Carnac Island.
For crabbers using drop nets or scoops to catch blueys this season, it’s important to know the size and bag limits for the area being fished. This information is available in DPIRD’s recreational crabbing guide, which is now also available in Vietnamese and Chinese.
DPIRD’s blue swimmer crab researchers advise there will be high proportions of undersize (less than 127mm) crabs in the Peel Harvey Estuary when the season opens tomorrow, and undersize juvenile crabs must be returned to the water immediately.
“Those juveniles are expected to moult to legal size in late December or January, so in the meantime each crab should be inspected carefully as it is caught.
Senior Fisheries Management Officer Bianca Brooks said inspecting and measuring each crab not only ensured fishers were complying with recreational crab fishing laws, it also gives small crabs a chance to grow and protected females with eggs will have a chance to provide more crabs for the future.
“The code of conduct will help fishers understand the rules and fish in a way to maximise survival of released crabs and minimises impacts on the environment while fishing,” Ms Brooks said. “Together, these measures will safeguard crab abundance into the future.”
“Crabbing is a very popular pastime in WA, with blue swimmer crabs typically found between Dunsborough to Port Hedland. Wherever you fish, keep it sustainable and remember the rules.”
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal crab fishing activity is urged to report it to DPIRD’s 24/7 FishWatch service on 1800 815 507 or online at Report • Crime Stoppers Western Australia (crimestopperswa.com.au) - click on the special FishWatch link for your report.
For anyone fishing in the Swan or Canning Rivers, where the toxin-producing algae Alexandrium can be present, it’s advisable to not eat the crab guts of blue swimmer crabs. Remove the head, mustard and gills and wash crabs prior to freezing cooking, or eating the crab meat. If you see a harmful algae caution sign its QR code connects you to a video that shows you how to clean crabs.
