Evaluation of Crystal Crab (Chaceon bicolor) resources on the south coast of Western Australia

Data have been collected on the size distribution and the relative abundance and distribution of Crystal Crab, Chaceon bicolor, on the south coast of Western Australia that will allow managers to plan for the development of the Crystal Crab fishery in this region to its optimal sustainable harvest level. These results have been used, in consultation with the Department of Fisheries, Western Australia and an independent statistician, to estimate the maximum sustainable yield for the Crystal Crab fishery on the south coast. The information gained during this survey has been shared with the Department of Fisheries, Western Australia, and the licensed crustacean fishers on the south coast of Western Australia, who together, may now develop the fishery in an orderly and environmentally and economically sustainable manner.