What’s happening?
A Bundaberg man has been fined $20,000 after officers uncovered 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994. These offences covered unlawful sale and trafficking of mud crabs.
Surveillance footage and a seized mobile phone showed evidence of ongoing illegal mud crab sales to multiple buyers across the region. Officers also found him holding 14 female mud crabs and several undersized crabs. His fishing equipment was later forfeited.
This case is one of several mud crab-related prosecutions recorded across Queensland in the past seven months.
Why it matters?
The recent cases highlight a pattern of serious offences being detected by patrol teams. Officers continue to act on illegal sales, unlawful pot interference and the taking of protected crabs.
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 the state.
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
Communities that rely on healthy mud crab stocks are affected by these offences. The fines and forfeitures act as a clear warning to follow the rules and help protect the fishery.
Ms Jacob said, “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
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Since 12 May 2025, more than $61,100 in major penalties and prosecutions found guilty in court have been recorded.
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Officers have issued $85,699 in on the spot infringement notices for mud crab offences statewide.
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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.
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In September, a fisher in Ayr was fined $1,500 for obstructing officers and failing to properly mark crab pots.
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In October, the Airlie Beach district recorded five infringement notices in six weeks for unlawful interference with crab fishing apparatus, totalling $8,065.
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Also in October, a Brisbane fisher was fined $12,000 and had his boat and trailer forfeited after being caught with seven female and 27 undersize mud crabs near Beenleigh.
Zoom in
What this really means is that patrol teams are uncovering ongoing unlawful activity with the help of surveillance and targeted inspections.
The Bundaberg case shows how illegal sales can involve multiple buyers and lead to significant penalties.
Zoom out
Across Queensland, serious offences have appeared in several locations in a short period.
The cases show why officers continue to focus on mud crab rules and step in quickly when breaches appear.
What to look for next?
Patrol capability has been strengthened with more officers, and investigations will continue as new offences are detected.
The focus remains on protecting the state’s mud crab resources.
