Fishing Southern NSW Report 0826

Potentially Deadly Asian paddle crab find in WA triggers request to fishers and serves as a warning to anglers in other states.

Scientific confirmation that a crab caught recently in Matilda Bay, is an Asian paddle crab (Charybdis japonica) has prompted a fresh reminder for fishers to be on the lookout for the pest species.

An alert fisher, who caught the crab in a drop net on the Swan River late last month, helpfully reported his find through WA’s FISHWATCH program.

Senior Biosecurity Management Officer with the Department of Fisheries, Marion Massam today called on other crab fishers to also continue their vigilance, in the ongoing efforts required to prevent the pest species from establishing itself in WA.

“Their assistance is crucial – the three paddle crabs previously detected at Mosman Bay in 2012 were all caught by recreational fishers,” Ms Massam said.

“This particular Asian paddle crab was light tan, but we know the species varies greatly in colour – its definitive features are the sharp spines between the eyes and the six spines down each side, as identified in the department’s pest alert, which is available at www.fish.wa.gov.au/biosecurity

“The biosecurity alert also shows pictures of native crabs (particularly the small four-lobed swimming crab) that have sometimes been confused with the Asian paddle crab.

“The native small, brownish swimming crab has no spines between the eyes – take a close look. If there are no spines then it’s the native crab.”

In general, fishers should first look at any small crabs with a shell width up to 120 mm that look different to blue swimmers and then check for the spines between the eyes. Ms Massam said people should not eat the pest crab, because the species can carry a disease that could cause poisoning in humans.

“We need to make sure the Asian paddle crab doesn’t establish in Western Australia, as it could out-compete native species like the blue swimmer, could spread diseases to other crabs and prawns and would probably be impossible to eradicate,” she said.

“Crab fishers are urged to check their catches and, if in doubt; take photographs, retain suspect crabs, note the fishing location and contact FISHWATCH on 1800 815 507.”

Aquatic pests and diseases are a significant threat to WA’s precious oceans and rivers. The Department of Fisheries is leading the effort to prevent them arriving and establishing themselves in our waters.

New Water Proof Marine Radio

GME’s GX400 is a versatile marine communication tool featuring both 27MHz Marine Band and 27MHz Citizen Band transceivers in one unit.  Built tough to withstand some of the harshest environments in the world, the GX400 is equally at home at sea or on land.

Ingress protected to IPX7, the GX400 can be positioned on the dashboard either by flush mount or the supplied gimbal bracket mount.  With a compact mounting depth of only 45mm, it’s possible to mount this compact unit into tight locations where space is limited. For enhanced clarity and ease of use, the GX400 is equipped with dual speakers.  One in the front panel and a second built into the waterproof speaker microphone.

For simple installation in small spaces, the GX400 features a rear microphone input socket.  This enables the user to run a 5m or 8m extension cable (available soon as an optional accessory) from the rear input to a more convenient location on the vessel where the flush mount socket can be installed.  The MC616 speaker mic can now be input from this location, and a waterproof blanking plug added to the front mic input socket.  This is ideal for “above windscreen” installations in hard-tops, eliminating obstruction caused by the mic cable hanging in the skipper’s field of view.

With programmable channel scanning, dual and tri-watch functions users will be sure to not miss important communications, and the large red “Channel 88” direct selection button enables instant access to emergency commination in the case of distress.

Available in black or white, the GX400 is a stylish and versatile addition to any vessel.  The GX400 is available through Authorised GME Dealers at a Recommended Retail Price of $179inc GST.