More Changes to Crab Trap Rules

By janiner, 11 August, 2015
News

Changes to Recreational Crab Net Rules in Port Stephens

New rules came into force in Port Stephens in May 2015 in regards to crab trap equipment. Existing crab traps and witches hats must be modified to lower the risk of turtle entanglement.

Given the high reported drowning rate of turtles in Port Stephens and recognition of the estuary being important for turtles, a trial of new crab gear rules is being implemented in Port Stephens requiring:

 1) Recreational witches hats to be modified so that the entanglement net is not inverted when set, that is, the net must lie flat on the seabed significantly reducing its entanglement potential.

 2) Recreational lift nets (or modified witches hats) may only be set or used between sunrise and sunset (i.e. no overnight setting).

 3) A reduction in the entrance size of wide mouthed (rectangular, collapsible) crab traps (and other traps if necessary) to a maximum diameter or width of 32cm. This will still enable crabs to enter the trap but will restrict entry of non-target species such as turtles.

The rules only apply to Port Stephens. For further information download the fact sheet at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/559275/recreational-crab-gear-rule-changes-in-port-stephens.pdf

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