One of worst Blue Swimmer Crab breaches this year at Thompson Beach results in $6,550 in fines

Less than two weeks after the State Government re-instated bag limits for Blue Swimmer Crabs in Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island from 10 to 20 crabs per person, Fisheries Officers have detected what they describe as one of the worst breaches seen this year.

On Wednesday 13 May 2026, Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) intercepted a group of five individuals crabbing at Thompson Beach, on the eastern shoreline of Gulf St Vincent, resulting in the group receiving on-the-spot fines totalling $6,550.

The group had a total of 240 Blue Swimmer Crabs, including 221 undersize crabs below the legal size limit of 11 cm, and exceeded the bag limit by 140 crabs. All crabs were seized and returned to the water.

Two females had returned to their car with a shopping bag full of Blue Swimmer Crabs, with a total of 53 crabs, of which 44 were undersize. The two females were each issued fines totalling $1,085.

Three males had used their clothing as catch bags to carry the crabs they caught, with one male allegedly attempting to hide his catch in seaweed. They were found with a total of 187, of which 177 were undersize. The three males were each issued with fines totalling $1,460.

The incident ranks among the most serious Blue Swimmer Crab offences detected in South Australia so far this year.

Bag and size limits for Blue Swimmer Crabs apply in all South Australian waters to help protect the long-term sustainability of the species and maintain healthy crab populations, ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy recreational crabbing.

Blue Swimmer Crabs are considered undersize if the carapace measures less than 11 cm from side to side at the base of the largest spines. Any undersize crabs must be immediately returned to the water.

There is also a combined Blue Swimmer and sand crab catch limit of 20 crabs per person.

Recreational fishers can check the latest fishing limits in South Australia by visiting the fishing limits or by downloading the upgraded SA Recreational Fishing App for full details.

Anyone who observes suspicious or illegal fishing activity is urged to report it to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522 or via the SA Recreational Fishing App.