Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) Principal Fisheries Management Officer Bianca Brooks said the regular spring closure was one of several key measures to protect blue swimmer crab breeding stock.
“Blue swimmer crabs are extremely popular in WA and our research shows the importance of protecting breeding stock at the resource level to safeguard sustainability,” Ms Brooks said.
“The closed season applies throughout all of spring from the Swan River through to Rich Road at Minninup Beach, about 15km south of Bunbury.
“These closed areas cover all waters, rivers and estuary in the area including Cockburn Sound.
“This spawning period is an important time in the blue swimmer crab breeding cycle, so the closure will help drive better recruitment and protect the smaller crabs.
Crabbing for blue swimmer crabs is the go-to guide for all the fishing rules which ensure crab populations in the West Coast Region remain sustainable.
It includes a useful map of the spring closure area.
DPIRD Fisheries and Marine officers will be out and about in the closure area during September, October and November to ensure fishers know blue swimmer crabs are off limits.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal crab fishing during the spawning closure is urged to make a report to DPIRD’s 24/7 FishWatch service on 1800 815 507 or online at Report • Crime Stoppers Western Australia (crimestopperswa.com.au) - click on the FishWatch link.
To review all of the recreational fishing rules download recreational fishing guides, check DPIRD’s online rules by species or location at www.rules.fish.wa.gov.au, or download the Recfishwest fishing rules app.
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