Five males will appear in court for the illegal possession of mud crabs after a targeted operation was conducted at Buffalo Creek by the Water Police Section yesterday.

A 61-year-old male was allegedly found in possession of 10 crab pots – double the limit. All pots were seized by police and the male will appear in Darwin Local Court on 17 September 2018.

A 67-year-old male was allegedly found in possession of two undersize mud crabs which were seized and released at the Buffalo Creek boat ramp. He is also scheduled to appear on 17 September 2018.

Three other males aged 58, 32 and 28 were allegedly found in possession of 37 mud crabs – seven over the limit when three or more persons are on board a vessel. The mud crabs were all seized and released at boat ramp. All three alleged offenders are due to appear on 24 September 2018.

Acting Senior Sergeant Ian Gray of the Water Police Section said this targeted operation produced good results.

“Water Police will continue to demonstrate a zero tolerance approach to those who exceed possession limits in relation to recreational fishing.”