The New South Wales government has extended its ban on fishing for the Eastern Blue Groper, the state's iconic fish, until March 2028. This decision follows a trial ban initiated due to concerns over the species' declining numbers in Sydney's shallow waters. Despite the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) listing the species as stable and sustainable, recent studies indicate a 50% decrease in their population since 2008. The extension aims to facilitate further research and conservation planning.
The Eastern Blue Groper, known for its friendly and curious nature, is a unique species with females sporting a green hue that transitions to blue as they mature into males around ten years old. While recreational fishing surveys from 2021-22 revealed low fishing pressure with only 387 gropers caught and 164 retained, the government opted to extend the fishing ban. This move aligns with findings from diver censuses and video surveys conducted since 1996, which showed relative stability but not an increase in population numbers.
The initial ban, implemented in February last year, responded to two illegal spearfishing incidents. The extension considers multiple factors, including a recent study highlighting the halving of groper numbers in Sydney's shallow waters since 2008. This decline may be exacerbated by climate change, with warming oceans posing a potential threat to their population.
"Three further years of scientific monitoring will deliver a deeper level of understanding of how this wonderful fish is coping with warming conditions and what impact those conditions are having on the population, particularly in our inshore waters where people interact with the eastern blue groper," commented Tara Moriarty.
The NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance and the Australian Marine Conservation Society support the extended ban. The latter described it as a "great first step" toward ensuring the species' long-term survival. However, some critics argue that such decisions should not be swayed by public sentiment alone.
"It was disappointing to see decisions about conservation made on the whims of the public," expressed Stan Konstantaras.
Further insights from Stan Konstantaras highlight the need for increased protection through marine sanctuaries.
"Only around seven per cent of the NSW coast is adequately protected by marine sanctuaries and the NSW government urgently needs to increase this to ensure that our marine life thrives into the future," he stated.
The government plans to utilize the extended ban period to commission additional research on the Eastern Blue Groper. The aim is to develop a comprehensive conservation strategy that addresses potential impacts from climate change and ensures sustainable interaction between humans and the species.
"There is a community expectation that we take every step possible to understand any potential impacts that climate change may be having on the species," Moriarty added.
Despite the challenges faced by the Eastern Blue Groper, there remains optimism that ongoing monitoring and research will yield positive outcomes. Diverse stakeholders, including fishers in NSW, have shown interest in contributing to citizen science initiatives that promote protection and safe interaction with gropers in designated areas.
"There has always been a willingness to assist in citizen science programs by fishers in NSW and an acceptance of the areas that afford more protection for groper that allows the public the chance to interact with groper in a safe environment," noted Konstantaras.
While some advocate for more stringent measures, such as permanent bans and additional marine sanctuaries, others caution against setting precedents that might affect other fish species.
"It has also set a worrying predicament that this trigger could be pulled on any other fish species by the minister," Konstantaras warned.
