On the 1st of March 2024, The NSW Government implemented a Blue Groper ban for all recreational line anglers across the state.
It is a travesty. Support NSW recreational anglers and > Have your say here.
NSW Anglers – IMPORTANT – Sign the petition, share the link, have your kids and friends sign up.
Petition to stop blue groper ban.
For those unaware, Blue Groper are a common wrasse-like species, inhabiting coastal reefs and headlands in temperate waters. Pretty much from Brisbane south to Perth.
They are a curious species, and given their vulnerability to spear fishing (reside in shallow, easily accessible locations, and inquisitive nature) have been off limits to spearo’s since 1969. They have also been banned from sale by commercial fishers since 1980.
This led to the stabilisation of the population. Hence, recreational anglers have been able to fish for the species with strict bag limits.
That was until an ignorant spearo illegally killed a local blue groper in Cronulla in January 2024 and the community were quite rightly outraged.
Community outrage sparked Blue Groper Ban
These fish are long-lived, and locals would have probably been snorkelling with them for decades. Giving it a name and, of course, seeing it as a beloved “wild” pet. The species is also the state fish emblem of NSW.
And we can all understand the community outrage.
I remember my last trip to the cod hole near Lizard Island and was heartbroken to find… no cod.
Back in the 80’s, there used to be 15-20 huge cod there once, and it was a delight to dive with them.
So I get it.
Especially since the 26-year-old offender was fined a paltry $800.
But a knee-jerk reaction blue groper ban on all recreational anglers due to the actions of a couple of uneducated sprearo’s – say what??
Blue Groper Ban – Where is the Science?
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
“We have heard the community concerns, and these new rules will make it clear to all water users that these fish should be admired but not targeted.”
“With their bright blue colour, alongside their placid and curious nature, there is little wonder why these beautiful big fish are so well loved by our coastal communities.”
“While most fishers complied with the previous rules for targeting Blue Groper, prohibiting line fishing will improve compliance by creating the same rules for all recreational fishers and enhance the protection of this iconic fish.”
“Education is key in protecting this iconic species, with DPI Fisheries commencing a statewide advisory campaign to ensure all fishers are aware of these new rules.”
“This is a twelve-month trial and we will be consulting with fishing groups and the rest of the community.”
In other words, NSW Fisheries are banning rec fishing for them because they are “cute and curious.”
Oh yes. Science is out the window!
There has been no stock assessment for these fish, as they are abundant.
Yet, anyone caught taking a blue groper by any methods will face a $500 penalty infringement notice, a maximum court-imposed fine of $22,000, or imprisonment for six months.
This will increase to a $44,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months (or both) for a second offence.
Unprecedented Power Trip
The Illegal spearfishing of a Blue Groper is what began this emotional power trip.
And I can understand the frustration shared by many about this.
But spearfishing these fish is already banned and did not prevent this unfortunate event from unfolding.
The problem needs to be tackled locally with an education campaign aimed at spearo’s.
The Government was given this option. But they chose to bow to green groups and punish completely innocent recreational anglers.
Banning line fishing of a fish species whose population is under no threat is completely unnecessary.
Instead of using robust science to define catch limits and management measures.
Tara Moriarty has banned all fishing for a species based on little more than anthromorphic reporting and hysteria around a single event by green interest groups.
It creates a dangerous precedent and makes a mockery of the NSW Fisheries Department.
Ban based on feelings of the community.
By her own admission 5 times, the Blue Groper ban has been implemented based on the “feelings” of the community.
More horrifyingly, there is no stock assessment for this species so there is no baseline data.
And so, how do we measure if the ban is having a positive impact – How do we measure “feelings”?
Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party MP Mark Banasiak asks these questions, and the results are… well… I’m gobsmackedbe
Some hilarious comments can be found on the Facebook page of Tara Moriorty.
If you’re on Facey, please jump on there and let her know what you think.
Right after the bit where she says…
“I understand the passion people have for fishing; I hold a fishing license and love it too. But some species need to be protected. Fishers understand that, so does the wider community.”
Then proceeds to be unable (and watch the side step) to identify the fish in question.
Yeah Gods! Is it really that hard to say… “I don’t know”.
Fishing groups Blindsided by Blue Groper Ban
The Minister has advised the ban is in place for a 12-month trial while they consult with fishing groups.
So… ban based on feelings first, consult later. Is that how Government works in this country?
It really is a dark day for fisheries when this blue groper ban can happen based on the “feelings” of green groups while ignoring (no consulation) the “feelings” of anglers.
Please support our NSW rec anglers against this ridiculous ban and share this link far and wide.
Suppression on social media
We have posted about this blue groper ban travesty several times on our social media pages AND THE POSTS HAVE GONE NO-WHERE.
Compared to a usual post it is astonishing.
Generally, we stay out of things political.
But it’s getting to the stage where we just can’t stay silent any longer.
I am even angrier than I was about the mackeral closures (later discovered to be bodgy science).
Plus the doom and gloom about bleaching on the reef when we are out there snorkelling all the time, and we can’t find any evidence of it.
And let’s not even get started on the shark depradation problem.
But rest assured, we will be taking a more active interest in these issues and recommend you do the same.
United, we stand. Divided, we fall. And that goes for the commercial guys too. We really are next.
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ON A LIGHTER NOTE
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