Fisheries officers have issued 70 on-the-spot fines to anglers flouting the rules

A car boot filled with blue swimmer crabs is one of the illegal hauls seized by fisheries officers this month, costing irresponsible anglers more than $25,000 in fines.

A car boot full of blue swimmer crabs is one of the many illegal hauls by fisheries officers this month, resulting in more than $25,000 worth of fines.

Officers have issued more than 70 on-the-spot fines to anglers who have been caught flouting the rules by taking undersized crabs, or exceeding bag limits.

Overall more than 1000 catches were inspected and around 2500 crabs seized by officers.

A group of three fishers were found with more than 350 crabs – individual bag limits were 20 per person – and 300 crabs were under undersized.

A boot full of blue swimmer crabs seized by fisheries officers. Picture: Primary Industries and Regions SA

Primary Industries and Regions SA fishers operations director Benn Gramola said the “blatant disregard of the law is incredibly disappointing”.

“Some of the fishers who were caught red-handed received on-the-spot fines of more than $1,400,” Mr Gramola said.

“This should serve as a strong reminder to those who ignore the rules, that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and you will have to pay the price.

“Size and bag limits are in place to ensure the sustainability of popular species so everyone who wants to enjoy a day out crabbing can have a fair day’s fishing, now and in the future.”

The two containers are well above the combined blue swimmer / sand crab catch limit of 20 per person. Picture: Primary Industries and Regions SA

Blue swimmer crabs are considered undersized if the carapace – the hard upper shell – is less than 11cm when measured side to side at the base of the larges spines.

Reports of illegal activity can be made anonymously to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522, or via the SA recreational fishing app.