Airlie Beach Crab Offences Highlight Need to Know the Rules

Recreational fishers in the Airlie Beach region are being reminded to follow Queensland’s mud crab regulations after a series of recent prosecutions, including multiple offences detected locally.

In October, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers in the Airlie Beach district issued five infringement notices over a six-week period for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065 in fines. The offences form part of a broader statewide crackdown aimed at protecting Queensland’s fisheries.

The local enforcement follows several high-profile cases, including a Bundaberg man fined $20,000 after officers uncovered 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994. He was found with 14 female mud crabs and multiple undersized crabs concealed beneath the floorboards of a tinny, with evidence revealing ongoing illegal sales.

Under Queensland rules, it is illegal to take female mud crabs, and strict minimum size and possession limits apply. Mud crabs must be kept whole, with shell and claws attached, and possession limits include crabs on boats, in vehicles and stored at home. Interfering with another person’s crab pots is also a serious offence.

Since May 2025, QBFP has recorded more than $61,100 in court-imposed penalties and $85,699 in on-the-spot infringement notices statewide.

Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said increased patrol capacity was strengthening compliance efforts.

“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.

“The message is simple — if you lift someone else's pots or take crabs outside the rules, you will be caught and face serious penalties.”

Local fishers are encouraged to check the latest size and possession limits using the Qld Fishing 2.0 app before heading out on the water.

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State-wide crackdown has landed illegal recreational fishers in hot water. Photo source: Shutterstock

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