Camden Haven fishermen have welcomed changes to recreational Blue Swimmer Crab size limits coming into effect next month.
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NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries announced the changes to crab size limits will begin from April 30 this year.
Under the new limits, the minimum size for blue swimmer crabs will be increased to 6.5cms from 6cms.
Laurieton United Services Club Fishing Club president Matt Hutchison said many local fishers were already practicing self-regulation regarding blue swimmer crabs.
"That's a positive movement (up to 6.5cms). It's been a very quiet year for crabs in general, mainly due to the weather," he said.
"In recent years blue swimmers have been pretty good and I don't think the general public are taking undersize crabs because they are so plentiful in the right size.
"I see an increase in size limit as a positive from a conservation point of view. I wouldn't have thought that it is a species that people are taking when small because they would be putting those 6cm ones back anyway.
"If there are people doing the wrong thing and it may pull those bad guys up, which is a good idea."
Mr Hutchison said recent freshwater has slowed recreational fishing in some areas.
"There has been some good runs of flathead from the push of water, but generally the estuary is quiet when there is a rush of freshwater because it is a bit cold and lacks that seawater which fish enjoy," he said.
"Having that rain is not a bad thing for the estuary because it has a rest and a flush out, but it's just a bit slow for fishermen. Offshore fishing has been pretty good with mackerel in the warm current."
The NSW Department of Primary Industries deputy director general fisheries Sean Sloan said these changes will result in an overall improvement in the abundance of crabs.
"The small increase in the size limit for blue swimmer crabs from 6.0cm to 6.5cm will assist total egg production by protecting spawning crabs and improve the productivity of the stock over time," Mr Sloan said.
"It will also provide consistency between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors and provide an overall improvement in the abundance of crabs.
"The changes will come into effect on 30 April this year so we wanted to give fishers as much notice as possible.
"NSW Fisheries will be out in the community over the coming weeks to speak to fishers to make sure they are aware of the changes and answer any questions they may have.
"These changes are being implemented following consultation with and support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council who do a fantastic job representing the interest of fishers.
"The recreational fishing industry is worth $3.4 billion in economic activity every year so it's critical we all work together to ensure the sustainability of this fantastic resource."