Aussies fined $6,550 for illegal find in shopping bag at popular beach: ‘One of the worst’

Illegal Crabbing Breach Leads to Significant Fines

Five beachgoers have been fined a total of $6,550 after being caught with an illegal number of blue swimmer crabs. The incident occurred on May 13 at Thompson Beach, where fisheries officers discovered the group had hidden crabs in their shopping bags and even within their clothing.

This case is considered one of the worst crabbing breaches in South Australia this year. The group was found with 240 blue swimmer crabs, including 221 that were below the legal size limit. According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the group exceeded the bag limit by 140 crabs. All the crabs were seized and returned to the water.

Details of the Incident

According to PIRSA, two women were seen walking to their car carrying a shopping bag filled with crabs. Officers allegedly found 53 crabs between them, including 44 undersized ones. Each woman received fines totaling $1,085.

Three men were also involved, allegedly using their clothing to carry crabs. One man was accused of trying to hide part of the catch in seaweed. Officers reportedly found the men with 187 crabs, 177 of which were undersized. Each of the three men received fines totaling $1,460.

Guidelines for Crabbing in South Australia

The legal minimum size for Blue Swimmer Crabs in South Australia is 11 centimetres across the shell, measured from spine to spine. Fishers are required to immediately return undersized crabs to the water.

South Australia recently increased the combined blue swimmer and sand crab bag limit from 10 to 20 crabs per person in Gulf St Vincent and around Kangaroo Island. This change aims to manage crab populations more effectively and ensure long-term sustainability.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules

“This should serve as a strong reminder to those who ignore the rules that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and you will have to pay the price,” said PIRSA director Matt Read.

He emphasized that size and bag limits are in place to ensure the sustainability of popular species. “Everyone who wants to enjoy a day out crabbing can have a fair day’s fishing now and in the future.”

Read added that it is the responsibility of all fishers to educate themselves about the rules and stick to them. “There is clear signage at popular crabbing spots about how to measure to ensure crabs are the correct size, along with information about bag and boat limits, so there is no excuse for breaking the rules.”

Additional Information

For those interested in reporting illegal fishing activities, contact details are available. However, the focus remains on enforcing existing regulations to protect marine life and ensure fair access for all.