V-Sheet Vsheet March 2019 | Page 16

Make sure your next mud crab is a good catch! Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers have noticed that fishers are keeping green and empty mud crabs. Empty crabs mostly contain liquid or a jelly mass, and not much edible meat. To avoid disappointment, check that your crab is full of meat before you take it home. Squeeze the shell under the corner of the carapace. If the shell flexes at all, it’s empty, as the crab has just moulted its shell. Return green and empty mud crabs to the water—in a few weeks they will become full of meat for you to catch and enjoy. Keep up to date with the latest fisheries information: Visit fisheries.qld.gov.au Like us on Facebook @ FisheriesQueensland Follow us on Twitter @ FisheriesQld 16 Volunteer Marine Rescue SOUTHPORT