It depends entirely on the local bylaws.
Some have none, some have banned them, some operate a license scheme before you’re allowed to put traps down. Each local council will have differing restrictions.
As far as I’m aware there’s still no restrictions in my local estuary but other areas such as Exmouth have brought in more stringent measures. Probably because they’re more prolific/visible down there.
I know someone checked it with the police here and they said technically it would be theft if they stole your traps, but not if they took the crab underneath.
How accurate that is, I don’t know, but certainly here it’s still pretty much a free for all.
That said, there’s not so many traps that’s it’s become an issue for the authorities, but no doubt it will in time.
As I say, I steer well clear, can’t be bothered with it all.
