The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has warned crab fishers of the dangers of consuming blue swimmer crabs without first thoroughly cleaning and gutting them.
In a statement, the Department said there had been many reports of good-sized blue swimmer crabs caught in the Swan and Canning rivers this season.
“However, crabs caught in these rivers have the potential to contain a toxin produced by Alexandrium, a type of alga which can bio-accumulate in their guts,” the Department said.
“The best advice to avoid the toxin and stay safe is to take your catch of blue swimmer crabs home whole, then clean them by removing the head, guts (mustard) and gills before you freeze, cook or eat them,” it said.
“To help us ensure the message about cleaning crabs is getting out to where it is needed, we would appreciate crab fishers complete a short anonymous survey.”
The Department said the public could also help others stay safe by spreading the word about cleaning crabs.
“There are instructional flyers available in four languages on the Department’s website, and a short video of the step-by-step process to clean blue swimmer crabs, which you can show to friends and family,” it said.
The Department’s survey can be accessed at this PS News link.
