What’s happening?
Queensland has handed down another major penalty as part of its statewide push against illegal mud crab activity. A Bundaberg man has been fined $20,000 after Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers found he had committed 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994, which included unlawful sale and trafficking of mud crabs.
Right after that case, a Cairns fisher faced a $12,000 fine and had his boat seized and destroyed after he was caught interfering with crab pots that were not his.
Surveillance footage and a seized mobile phone exposed the Bundaberg man’s ongoing sales to buyers across the region. Officers also found 14 female mud crabs and multiple undersized crabs in his possession. His fishing equipment was later forfeited.
These penalties are part of a string of mud crab related prosecutions issued across Queensland in the last seven months.
Why it matters
Authorities say illegal crab activity harms the sustainability of key stocks and undermines fair access for lawful fishers. DPI Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob put the focus on clear rules and strong enforcement.
“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,” Ms Jacob said.
She added that the rules are clear and the risks are high. “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.”
Ms Jacob said Queenslanders support the effort to protect local seafood stocks. “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.”
Local impact
The recent cases highlight the pressure on crab stocks in north and central Queensland. The actions taken by patrol officers aim to protect supply, safeguard recreational fishing, and stop unlawful trade that impacts small communities along the coast.
By the numbers
Here’s what the recent enforcement activity shows.
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More than $61,100 in major penalties and court prosecutions have been recorded since 12 May 2025, showing the scale of serious mud crab offences.
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A further $85,699 in on-the-spot infringement notices has been issued statewide for mud crab offences, reflecting ongoing patrol pressure.
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Ten extra QBFP officers were recruited in July, boosting patrol capability across Queensland and allowing faster response to suspected offences.
Zoom in
The Bundaberg case stands out due to the volume of offences and the use of digital evidence that showed ongoing illegal trade. Officers recovered female and undersized crabs, which are protected to support breeding and stock strength.
Nearby regions have also seen strong action. In Ayr, a fisher was fined $1,500 for obstructing officers and failing to properly mark crab pots. In the Airlie Beach district, five infringement notices were issued in six weeks for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065 in fines.
Brisbane officers also seized a boat and trailer after a fisher was caught with seven female mud crabs and 27 undersize crabs near Beenleigh. He was fined $12,000.
Zoom out
Across Queensland, illegal mud crab activity remains a key compliance focus. Officers have increased surveillance, carried out targeted patrols, and used seized devices to support investigations. The extra patrol officers appointed in July have helped the state track repeat offenders and build stronger cases.
What to look for next?
Authorities say more checks are expected through the holiday period when crab fishing increases. The public is urged to review Queensland’s recreational fishing rules on the DPI website to avoid unintentional breaches.
