Men fined over black market crab haul

Two men have been fined a total of $32,000 for catching crabs destined for Queensland's black market.

The men were each convicted this month in the Cleveland Magistrates Court for illegally taking protected female mud crabs, as well as undersized blue swimmer and mud crabs.

They were also charged with using unmarked pots and for trying to prevent inspectors from searching their car.

The court heard they were both aware of the restrictions on the crabs, and that they had intended on selling them on the black market.

They each received a $16,000 fine.