Mud crab catches across the Northern Territory have rebounded after a tough 2016, with one region more than tripling its catch on last year.

The NT mud crab fishery is expected to pull in about 280 tonnes for the season, up from 120 tonnes last year.

A Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries spokesperson said the Gulf of Carpentaria had showed a large improvement.

"Based on historical patterns in catch [the catch to the end of August represented two thirds of the annual catch], we expect the 2017 harvest in the Gulf to be around 180 tonnes, up from 50 tonnes last year," the spokesperson said.

"The catch along the remainder of the coastline is expected to be around 100 tonnes [up from 70 tonnes last year], however we have yet to receive all catch returns.

"The overall catch for 2017 is predicted to be the highest since 2012."

Catches in the Roper region were expected to be about 60 tonnes, up from just 3 tonnes last year.

The boost in crab numbers comes off the back of such a poor season last year that the NT Seafood Council recommended a temporary suspension on catching female mud crabs in the Gulf of Carpentaria to help rebuild stocks.

The idea sent shockwaves through the commercial sector, with some mud crabbers declaring such a decision would send them broke.

The new Labor Government this year endorsed a new harvest strategy where temporary fishery closures may be possible depending on stock levels.

Mud crab catches improved across the whole Northern Territory coastline this year. ( ABC Rural: Daniel Fitzgerald )

Sam Em has been working the waters around the mouth of the Roper River in the Gulf of Carpentaria for more than 20 years.

Last year there were so few crabs in the region he moved his pots near the mouth of the Victoria River, on the western NT coastline.

But this year, with the crabs returning in larger numbers, Mr Em tended 150 pots for about eight months straight.

"This year everyone made money. The price is good. We were paid good money this year," he said.

"My boss was buying crabs from me for $25 per kilogram for a couple of months already. Before [I was getting] $18 to $20 per kilogram.

"Some weeks after [outlays] you can make $5,000 after fuel and food."

Crabber Lenny Nguyen said after only working the Roper for a couple of weeks last year, the return of crab numbers was a welcome relief.

"This year is better than last year … we can make money, cover last year and get some profits," he said.

Mud crabber Sam Em says this year has been a huge improvement on the previous season. ( ABC Rural: Daniel Fitzgerald )

Both crabbers expect a good season next year, judging by the amount of undersized crabs they saw this year.

With more consistent wet season rains approaching, all the commercial mud crabbers were preparing to leave Port Roper before they were flooded in.

Mr Nguyen said he would go back to Vietnam for the duration of the wet season, where he aimed to rest after working every day since April.

"I'll just stay home with my wife and kids," he said.

"Every year is like that. I go to Vietnam and relax for a couple of months then come back [to Port Roper] in April."