WITH the water inside the port gradually getting warmer, as the summer months approach, we can expect that certain fish and crabs will arrive.

Whiting and flathead are very welcome summer visitors as are blue swimmer and mud crabs.

The mud crab has a variety of names, muddie, punga, black crab, mangrove crab and many others if you are unfortunate to be grabbed by its powerful claws.

Mainly confined to the northern half of the continent the mud crab can generally be found where mangrove trees grow.

With a lifespan of around four years the crab has a fascinating life cycle that sees the female, once mated, leave the estuary system and head for the open ocean where she can migrate from ten to 30 kilometres offshore into water 20 to 40 metres deep. The tiny crabs then re-enter the estuaries to grow and develop in the mangrove forests and so the cycle recommences.

In Port Stephens the muddies grow to an enormous size, up to three kilograms, which is unheard of in most similar habitat regions.

Local crabbing rules do apply that are unique to Port Stephens.

“Witches hat” styled crab nets are banned as are traps with an entry wider than 36 centimetres.

These rules were implemented to limit by-catch, particularly turtles.

Since being enforced by NSW Fisheries, around eight years ago, no turtle deaths have been recorded as a result of entanglement.

Great news all round.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE