Here they come, tap dancing down the channels and entering the port from the Karuah River, Tilligerry Creek and the Myall system. Blue swimmer crabs and monster mud crabs right on time for the annual school holidays. For those who are unfamiliar with crabbing in Port Stephens there are a few rules and regulations that are unique to this system.
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Three seasons ago it was decided to ban witches hats and wide mouth crab traps (over 36cm) from Port Stephens. This decision was made as a response to the high number of turtles which were becoming entangled and drowning during the crab season.
Since the banning of those methods not one turtle death has been reported and the crab returns have been excellent. Currently in Port Stephens, you are permitted, by NSW Fisheries, to set two traps and four drop nets (dilly pots).
The drop nets are to be taken out of the water overnight. These law changes have been accepted by the locals who are more than pleased with their catches of both blue swimmers and mud crabs.
Fisheries have indicated local laws have now been in place long enough to not to accept - “I didn’t know” - as an excuse.
What I have difficulty understanding is why, if the rules, that are in place in Port Stephens are so successful, should they not be adopted throughout NSW? Witches hats are banned in every state in Australia because they kill turtles and birds.
Why should we be the last to realise the problem?
