DPI Fisheries is conducting ‘Operation Portunus’ to raise awareness of the rules and regulations when fishing for crabs in NSW coastal waters. NSW DPI Fisheries compliance officers will be targeting illegal crabbing in an effort to increase sustainable crab fishing practices. DPI aim to reduce illegal crabbing across the board meaning everyone who takes or attempts to take crabs in NSW should refresh their knowledge of the rules. Over the past 12 months more than 1,300 illegal crab traps (and hoop nets) have been seized from the state’s coastal estuaries. DPI Fisheries want to get that number down so they’ll be using unmanned aerial vehicles and new high tech night vision equipment to help deter offenders and detect offences. Examples of illegal crabbing are; • Failure to mark gear correctly • Using traps that don’t comply with the regulations • Using too many traps • Traps set in waters where prohibited Fisheries Officers will also be on the lookout for fishers raiding other people’s traps - if it’s not yours, don’t touch it. They’ll also be looking at illegal activity associated with prawning as prawns and crabs are often sought after together this time of year. A recreational fishing fee is required when crabbing in NSW waters, you can pay the fee online at http://www.onegov.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365. For information on rules and regulations pertaining to crab fishing in coastal waters visit http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs Recreational crabbing guides advising waters closed to crabbing in your local area can be found at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/info Report suspected illegal fishing activity by calling 1800 043 536 or report it online at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/…/complia…/report-illegal-activity. Media Release
