Bundaberg man fined $20,000 for trafficking undersized and female mud crabs

Video surveillance and mobile phone evidence have exposed a Bundaberg mud crab trafficker’s illegal sales network, as boosted patrols catch and punish fishermen caught breaking the law and playing dirty.

A Bundaberg mud crab trafficker has been fined $20,000 after being caught red handed with multiple female and undersized crabs. Photo Chrissy Harris / The Observer

A Bundaberg mud crab trafficker has been fined $20,000 after being caught red handed with multiple female and undersized crabs.

He was found to have committed 26 offences under the Fisheries Act, including unlawful sale and trafficking of Qld mud crabs.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol discovered the Bundaberg man had committed 26 offences under the Fisheries Act 1994, including unlawful sale and trafficking of mud crabs.

Video surveillance footage and seized mobile phone devices revealed the extent of his offences, which included evidence of ongoing illegal mud crab sales to multiple buyers across the region, a statement released by Qld Boating and Fisheries Patrol said on Wednesday.

Officers uncovered a number of undersized mud crabs, including a total of 14 females, in his possession.

He was fined $20,000 and his fishing equipment was forfeited.

It was the most recent fine among several across Queensland in the past seven months, the statement said.

Since May 12, 2025, more than $61,100 in major penalties and prosecutions, and $85,699 in on-the-spot FINS (Fisheries Infringement Notices) were issued for mud crab offences statewide, it said.

A Cairns fisherman had his boat destroyed after he was caught interfering with other people’s crab pots.

A Bundaberg man has been fined $20,000 after being caught red handed with a number of illegal mud crabs. Image: Department of Primary Industries

He was also fined $12,000.

A second fisherman was fined $1500 for obstructing officers and failing to properly mark crab pots at Ayr, in September this year.

During October, QBFP officers at Airlie Beach issued $8065 in fines over six weeks, and a Brisbane fisherman was fined $12,000 and had his boat and trailer forfeited after being caught with seven female mud crabs and 27 undersize mud crabs near Beenleigh.

Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the recruitment of 10 additional officers in July had strengthened patrol capability across the state.

“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, 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.

“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.”

To avoid accidentally breaking the law, Queensland fishers are encouraged to brush up of the recreational fishing rules on the Department of Primary Industries website.

Originally published as Bundaberg man fined $20,000 for trafficking undersized and female mud crabs