A spear fisher has sparked new outrage after illegally killing a family of blue gropers, just days after fury erupted over the death of a fish feared to be Gus The Groper in Sydney.
Photographs on social media have revealed NSW fishery officers intercepting a spear fisherman with three dead gropers at Plantation Point, Jervis Bay, on the NSW south coast on Friday.
The haul included a female groper, which are brown, and at least two juveniles. All blue gropers start off female and can transition later in life to become a blue male.
Spear fishing for blue gropers is outlawed in NSW but rod and line fishermen are still allowed to catch them, with a fish bag limit of two a day.
Woebegone Freedive posted pictures on Facebook on Tuesday of the three fish which were discovered by the fishery protection officers.
‘Devastating news from Jervis Bay: A family of blue gropers, an iconic and protected species, has been illegally speared,’ said the post.
A spear fisher has sparked new outrage after illegally killing a family of blue gropers (pictured), just days after fury erupted over the death of a fish feared to be Gus The Groper in Sydney
Woebegone Freedive posted pictures on Facebook on Tuesday of the three fish which were discovered by the fishery protection officers (pictured)
The incident follows the tragic death of a what was feared to be the beloved Gus the Groper at Oak Park beach at Cronulla in Sydney’s south
‘After a fantastic beach dive with an amazing group, enjoying time with bull rays and dolphins, our joy turned to dismay as we came back to witness this horrific event.
‘These friendly ‘Labradors of the sea’ are a vital part of our ecosystem and beloved by many.
‘Just days after losing Gus the groper in Sydney, we’re reminded again of the urgent need for better protection and education.
‘Well done to the local fisheries crew for their diligent work in searching this individual’s catch, and for the fines and gear confiscation.
‘Great job in safeguarding our marine life.’
The NSW Department of Primary Industries confirmed the horrific haul to Daily Mail .
‘Fisheries Officers responded to a report made on the Fishers Watch Phoneline of groper being illegally speared by a spear fisherman,’ a DPI spokesman said.
‘A spearfisherman was apprehended at the scene by Fisheries Officers in possession of three female groper.
‘Fisheries Officers have interviewed the person of interest and seized the groper and all fishing gear.
‘The matter is under investigation and appropriate compliance action will be undertaken.’
The spokesman added: ‘Plantation Point is part of the Jervis Bay Marine Park and is a habitat protection zone that allows spearfishing to occur.
‘Groper can only legally be taken by line in NSW. For recreational fishers, this means a minimum size limit of 30cm and a bag limit of two (with only one fish over 60cm).
‘Fishers and spear fishers must make themselves aware of the rules regarding their activities before they undertake any fishing or spearfishing.’
The incident follows the tragic death of a what was feared to be the beloved Gus the Groper at Oak Park beach at Cronulla in Sydney’s south.
More to follow