The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has issued a warning to crab fishers to take care when eating their catch, at least removing their heads, guts (mustard) and gills before freezing, cooking or eating them.
According to the Department there have been many reports of good-sized blue swimmer crabs caught in the Swan and Canning rivers this season, making its warning even more important.
“Did you know that crabs caught in these rivers have the potential to contain a toxin produced by Alexandrium, a type of alga which can bioaccumulate in their guts?” the Department asked.
“The best advice to avoid the toxin and stay safe is to not eat mussels at all, and to take your catch of blue swimmer crabs home whole, then clean them by removing the head, guts and gills”
To help it ensure its message was getting through, DPIRD has asked crab fishers to complete a short, anonymous, survey which can be accessed at this PS News link.
“You can also help others stay safe by spreading the word about cleaning your crabs,” it said.
“There are instructional flyers available in four languages and a short video of the step-by-step process to clean blue swimmer crabs, which you can show to friends and family.”
The flyers can be accessed on the DPIRD website at this PS News link.
