Another bumper crabbing season set for Peel-Harvey Estuary

The blue swimmer crabbing season is now open between the Swan River and Binningup (south of Bunbury).

Early sampling has indicated another bumper season for the Peel-Harvey Estuary with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists reporting healthy stocks.

Last season was also very fruitful with fishers reporting it as one of the best ever for the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

The boost in crab numbers is likely driven by warmer water temperatures which result in a larger number of crabs moulting to size early.

Crabbers are reminded that many crabs will still be undersize early in the season.

Principal Fisheries Management Officer Bianca Brooks said carefully checking the size of each crab caught was important to ensure undersize crabs less than 127mm carapace are returned to the water.

“The size limit protects immature crabs and provides a chance for them to breed before they’re caught,” Ms Brooks said.

“Apart from checking they’re legal sized, fishers should also examine any female crabs for eggs (berried crabs). If a female has eggs, return it safely to the water before continuing to fish, just like you would for undersized crabs. 

“Check the rules for your favourite crabbing spot before you head out, using the West Coast Region Crabbing for blue swimmer crabs guide available online.”

Cockburn Sound and Owen Anchorage fishing rules have the same bag limits for the Swan River, which allow five blue swimmer crabs per day and a boat limit of 20 per day (when four Recreational Boat Fishing Licence holders are on board).

Outside Cockburn Sound and the Swan River, a daily bag limit of 10 legal size crabs, applies. 

People fishing in the Swan or Canning Rivers, where the toxin-producing algae Alexandrium can be present, are advised not to eat the crab guts of blue swimmer crabs.

Instead, the health advice is to remove the head, mustard and gills and wash crabs prior to freezing,  cooking, or eating the crab meat. 

Anyone who sees or suspects illegal crab fishing activity is urged to report it to DPIRD’s 24/7 FishWatch service on 1800 815 507 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au - click on the special FishWatch link for your report.