Assessing the recreational fishery for the blue swimmer crab in Moreton Bay

Abstract

Recreational anglers were interviewed at five boat ramps in Moreton Bay, Queensland (Australia) during 1999 to determine catch rates of popular fish species and, in particular, blue swimmer crabs (Portunus pelagicus). Fifty-two survey days were allocated to each boat ramp and a total of 2,161 interviews were conducted. Fishing gear used by recreational fishers to capture P. pelagicus was predominantly tangle nets or 'dillies', with the most popular bait being mullet (Mugil cephalus). Blue swimmer crabs (P. pelagicus) were the third most popular species targeted by Moreton Bay recreational boat fishers. Only diver whiting (Sillago maculata) and snapper (Pagrus auratus) were more frequently targeted. Results of this survey have provided a better indication of the size structure of the recreational catch in one of Queensland's most important recreational fishing areas.