Queensland authorities seize 70 illegal crab pots in latest clean-up drive

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers have hauled a raft of illegal crab pots from Far North Queensland waterways in their latest clean-up operation.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said 70 unmarked pots were pulled from Dickson Inlet, Mowbray River and Mossman River over two days.

Crab pots that are left in the water when not being used can become lost and may continue to “ghost fish,” catching crabs, fish, and other non-target marine animals including turtles which could become trapped and die, Ms Lui added.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said fisheries officers retrieved 44 unmarked and abandoned crab pots in their previous clean-up of the Port Douglas foreshore in October last year.

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