Aussie Salvage Squad fined over mud crabs

A crew member from 7mate observational series Aussie Salvage Squad has been fined by Fisheries Queensland for taking and cooking female mud crabs from Airlie Beach.

The episode produced by Fredbird Entertainment aired in September. Fisheries Queensland interviewed the crew after concerns raised by alert viewers.

Female mud crabs are protected in Queensland. If caught, they must immediately be released unharmed back into the natural habitat.

One member of the crew was issued with two infringement notices, for using an unmarked crab pot and taking or possessing female mud crabs, carrying a total fine of $756. Another was issued with a caution.

“The organisation cooperated fully and crew members were very apologetic as they were not aware of the different fishing rules in Queensland. They have assured us that next time they visit they will make sure they brush up on the recreational fishing rules and regulations,” a Fisheries Queensland statement said.

Source: Whitsunday Times