QLD cracks down on mud crab offences
Major fines and forfeitures show QLD’s crackdown on illegal mud crab activity through stronger patrols and investigations.
What’s happening?
A Bundaberg man has been fined $20,000 after Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers uncovered he had committed 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994, including unlawful sale and trafficking of mud crabs.
Surveillance footage and a seized mobile phone revealed evidence of ongoing illegal mud crab sales to multiple buyers across the region.
Officers also found him in possession of 14 female mud crabs and multiple undersized crabs, and his fishing equipment was later forfeited.
This case is one of several mud crab-related prosecutions across Queensland in the past seven months.
Why it matters?
These cases show the scale of recent enforcement and the pressure placed on mud crab stocks by unlawful activity.
Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the recruitment of 10 additional QBFP officers in July had strengthened patrol capability across Queensland.
Ms Jacob said, “Whether it’s interfering with crab pots, taking undersized or female crabs or engaging in unlawful trade, no offence goes unnoticed and our staff are ready to take action.”
Local impact
Illegal sales and the unlawful taking of female or undersized crabs affect communities that depend on healthy stocks.
Ms Jacob stressed the seriousness of recent penalties, saying, “The message is simple, and the consequences are real – if you lift someone else’s pots or take crabs outside the rules, you will be caught and face serious penalties. Follow the rules or risk losing your boat, your gear and a lot of money.”
She also said, “Queenslanders value their seafood and sustainable fisheries. These laws are in place to protect that resource for everyone and ensure all anglers have a positive experience on the water.”
By the numbers
Since 12 May 2025, QBFP has recorded more than $61,100 in major penalties and prosecutions found guilty in court.
Officers have issued $85,699 in on-the-spot infringement notices for mud crab offences statewide.
In July, a Cairns fisher was fined $12,000 and had his boat seized and destroyed after being caught interfering with crab pots that weren’t his.
In September, a fisher in Ayr was fined $1,500 for obstructing officers and failing to properly mark crab pots.
In October, officers in the Airlie Beach district issued five infringement notices over six weeks for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065 in fines.
Also in October, a Brisbane fisher was fined $12,000 and had his boat and trailer forfeited after being caught with seven female mud crabs and 27 undersize mud crabs near Beenleigh.
Zoom in
What this really means is that officers are detecting both repeat and high risk behaviour using surveillance, seized phones and steady patrols.
The Bundaberg case shows ongoing unlawful sales to several buyers and the serious consequences that follow.
Zoom out
Across Queensland, several major cases have surfaced within months. The repeated offences show why officers continue to focus on illegal crab sales, unlawful pot interference and breaches involving female or undersized crabs.
These actions demonstrate a clear statewide enforcement effort.
What to look for next?
With more officers on patrol, investigations will continue wherever new breaches appear. The state remains focused on mud crab rules and compliance.