Fishing ban extended for the Eastern blue groper in NSW

The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced an extension of the line fishing ban on the Eastern Blue Groper, the state fish of NSW, for three years, until March 1, 2028. This decision is based on recent research indicating a continued decline in the species' population in local waters. This extension underscores the government's commitment to preserving the iconic marine species.

The ban was initially implemented by the NSW government 12 months ago, following multiple incidents of illegal spearfishing of Blue Groper, including the [highly publicized spearfishing of a beloved Blue Groper in Cronulla, south of Sydney, in December 2023](https://www.9news.com.au/national/new-protections-for-the-blue-groper-after-beloved-fish-brutally-killed-in-sydneys-south-last-year/30711657-272a-4a7c-adb2-38ddc9619d36 "备受喜爱的克罗努拉蓝猪齿鱼被鱼叉刺杀事件"). The initial ban aimed to curb these illegal activities and protect the vulnerable species.

Anyone found catching and possessing Eastern Blue Groper will face court fines of up to AUD 22,000 or 6 months imprisonment, and/or a penalty notice of AUD 500. This decision will allow scientists to more closely monitor the species, which, according to [a study published in the journal Marine and Freshwater Research](https://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/MF24130 "发表在《海洋与淡水研究》杂志上的一项研究"), has seen its population in Sydney's shallow waters decline by more than half since 2008. Such measures are crucial for the long-term survival of the Eastern Blue Groper.

The study suggests that the sharp decline in population numbers may be due to rising water temperatures caused by climate change. NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty stated, "The community has a strong interest in NSW's iconic Eastern Blue Groper and expects us to take all possible steps to understand any potential impacts that climate change may be having on the species." Understanding the effects of climate change is essential for effective conservation efforts.

Minister Moriarty added, "A further three years of scientific monitoring will help us to better understand how this treasured fish is responding to warming water temperatures and the impact these conditions are having on populations, particularly in our coastal waters where people interact with Eastern Blue Groper frequently." She also stated that while some fishers may be disappointed by the extended ban, many in the NSW community want the species protected. Spearfishing of Eastern Blue Groper has been banned since 1969, and commercial fishing of the species was banned in 1980. Any Blue Groper accidentally caught by line fishing must be released. Considering the species' importance to Aboriginal people, the new ban extension does not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing activities.