Recreational fishers across Western Australia are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to blue swimmer crab rules in the West Coast bioregion, with the aim of simplifying regulations and improving fishing experiences.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has opened public consultation on a plan to introduce a single set of bag and boat limits stretching from north of Kalbarri to east of Augusta.
Under the proposal, the current closed season—from the Swan and Canning rivers to Minninup Beach south of Bunbury—would be extended by one month, reopening on January 1 each year instead of December 1.
DPIRD Fisheries Management Officer Sara Monaghan said the change follows feedback from recreational crabbers who reported catching undersized crabs in December.
“Starting the season a month later will allow more crabs to moult to legal size before they are caught, helping to enhance fishing experiences,” Ms Monaghan said.
DPIRD research shows blue swimmer crab stocks remain healthy and sustainable across key fishing areas, including Cockburn Sound and the Peel Harvey Estuary.
The proposed rules would also standardise limits across the region, setting an individual bag limit of 10 crabs and a boat limit of 20 crabs when two or more licensed fishers are on board.
“Crabbing is a great recreational activity enjoyed by many Western Australians and their families,” Ms Monaghan said. “Simplifying the rules will make it easier for everyone to understand and follow them, ensuring sustainable fishing into the future.”
DPIRD officers will be on hand at the Mandurah Crab Fest this weekend to answer questions about the proposed changes and the consultation process.
Public consultation is open until April 15, and feedback can be submitted through the Have Your Say platform at yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au/recreational-blue-swimmer-crab-management-review.
Responses will help shape any updates to recreational crab fishing rules ahead of the 2026/27 summer season.
