Changes to spanner crab closures
News release | 28-Sep-2018
Queensland’s annual closed season for spanner crab will be longer and start earlier under changes
announced by Fisheries Queensland.
The closure which applies to commercial and recreational fishers will now apply from
1 November until 15 December.
Fisheries Queensland Director of Management and Reform Kimberly Foster said the
closed season had been extended by 15 days to provide greater protection to
spanner crab during spawning.
“By shifting the closure dates, commercial fishers will also have access to the
fishery in time to supply the valuable Christmas market,” Ms Foster said.
“Until now, spanner crabs were off limits from 20 November to 20 December every year.”
Ms Foster said amendments to the spanner crab closure were developed in consultation
with industry and based on the best available science.
“Closed seasons prevent people from fishing at certain times of the year to protect valuable
breeding stock, allowing species to replenish for future generations of fishers to enjoy.”
The closed season for spanner crab applies in all Queensland waters.
For more information on spanner crabs and closed seasons, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au,
call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld fishing’ app from Apple or Google app stores.
Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).
Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.a
