A record-breaking number of illegal crab pots has been removed from Pumicestone Passage, during a three-day clean-up operation by rangers and fisheries officers.
A total of 195 derelict or illegal crab pots were recovered from the waterway, within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Boating and Fisheries.
QPWS senior ranger Mike Carr said derelict crab pots were a massive problem for marine wildlife species as they “ghost fish” for years and entrap all sorts of other marine species.
“Last year, at least 42 turtles were reported to have been tangled or entrapped in crab pots in the marine park,” he said via a Department of Environment and Science media release.
“Unfortunately, most of those turtles did not survive.
“Other marine animals such as dugong, dolphins and whales can also become entangled in crab pot float lines.”
Mr Carr said the remains of a turtle, cormorant and a shovel-nose shark were found in the derelict pots recovered from the passage.
“Thankfully, the teams were able to successfully release many animals such as fish, crabs and wobbegong sharks that were found alive trapped in the pots.”
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Tom Richards urged fishers to crab responsibly when out on the water.
“Check crab pots regularly and remove them from the water when they are not being used,” he said.
“Make sure crab pots are heavy enough with the correct length of rope attached to the float to prevent them from being lost or dragged underwater in strong currents, and that the pots and floats are correctly labelled.
“We also recommend pots are fitted with escape hatches and are kept submerged to prevent birds and other wildlife from being accidentally captured.
“This also ensures marine species caught in the pots, including female and undersized crabs, are not exposed to sun and can be released alive.”
Anyone who comes across entangled, stranded, injured or deceased marine animals should immediately report it to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service by calling 1300 130 372.
People who see an unmarked, lost or abandoned crab pot should record an accurate location or GPS coordinates of the equipment and report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
For more information on responsible crabbing, see Recreational fishing rules.
