Couple Fined Over $7,600 for Taking 62 Undersized Blue Swimmer Crabs
A husband and wife have been convicted and fined thousands of dollars for possessing dozens of undersized blue swimmer crabs and exceeding the legal bag limit in the Peel Inlet on New Year's Day. The pair, identified as Mingfu and Lili Xue, were found guilty in their absence at the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Fisheries Officers Discover Illegal Catch
Fisheries officers spotted the couple crabbing in the Coodanup area of the Peel Inlet after 7pm on January 1, 2026. Upon searching their container, officers discovered that the pair had caught a total of 63 blue swimmer crabs. Shockingly, only one of these crabs was of the correct legal size, with the remaining 62 being undersized.
In addition to the size violations, the amount exceeded the legal bag limit by 43 crabs. Under current regulations, each crabber is legally permitted to take only 10 crabs per day. This means the couple's catch was significantly over the allowed limit, compounding the seriousness of the offense.
Magistrate Describes Pair as 'Incredibly Naive'
During an interview with Fisheries officers, Lili Xue stated that she was not aware of the requirement to measure the crabs or that there was a bag limit in place. Magistrate Gavin MacLean, presiding over the case, commented that the couple seemed 'incredibly naive' in their actions.
He further noted, 'They were taking photos and didn't have a clue,' highlighting their lack of understanding of the fishing regulations. This naivety, however, did not mitigate the legal consequences of their actions.
Substantial Fines and Costs Imposed
As a result of their convictions, each individual was fined $3,815 for the offenses. In addition to the fines, they were ordered to pay costs amounting to $194 each. This brings the total financial penalty for the couple to over $7,600, underscoring the strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws in the region.
The case serves as a stark reminder to all recreational fishers and crabbers to familiarize themselves with local fishing regulations, including size limits and bag restrictions, to avoid similar penalties. Authorities emphasize that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense, and compliance is crucial for the sustainability of marine resources.
