Buffalo Creek: 75-year-old man caught with allegedly too many crabs including nine undersized

A 75-YEAR-OLD man has been charged after being caught with an alleged illegal haul.

A 75-YEAR-OLD man has been charged after he allegedly caught too many mudcrabs.

Water Police were undertaking safety and compliance checks on vessels around Buffalo Creek on Sunday morning when they intercepted a dinghy returning to the boat ramp.

While conducting a routine safety and catch inspection aboard the vessel, police allegedly found a haul of 25 mud crabs — exceeding the legal limit of 10 — including nine undersized mud crabs.

The boat was allegedly also carrying unmarked crab pots and did not have all the necessary safety equipment on board.

The man will appear in court in August to face charges of exceeding the possession limit of mud crab, possess undersized mud crabs, unmarked crab pots and breach safety equipment.

A 75-year-old man has been issued a Notice to Appear for multiple fisheries offences. Picture: NT Police.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Clarke said “catching a feed” on Territory waters was a privilege which should not be abused.

“As for failing to carry the correct safety gear, that’s basic boating 101. If you can’t make sure your boat and your passengers are prepared, you shouldn’t be launching your vessel,” Sen Sgt Clarke said.