The NSW Opposition welcomes additional protections the Government has announced for our State fish, the blue groper.
Since 11 January the Opposition has been calling on the Minns Labor Government to invest in greater education campaigns, to improve signage where spearfishing is occurring and to review penalties to ensure they’re a sufficient deterrent.
“We welcome the increased penalties for fishing blue gropers announced by the Government this morning,” Mr Speakman said. “However, the announced measures are incomplete.
“Banning line fishing will do nothing to stop the main problem – spearfishers illegally targeting gropers and being slapped with pathetic fines.
“While the Government has announced increased maximum penalties, it has failed:
· to explain why it has not reviewed the inadequate $800 fine imposed on the illegal spearfisher who killed Gus the Groper in Cronulla;
· to explain what education activities it will carry out; or
· to commit to improved signage especially around known spearfishing spots.”
“My local community in Cronulla was outraged by the illegal spearfishing of the iconic Gus the Groper. They want our waterways to be a safe home for these ‘Labradors of the sea’.”
Shadow Minister for Environment Kellie Sloane said there have been numerous blue gropers killed across the NSW coastline in the past few months.
“While most fishers do the right thing, there needs to be better measures in place to protect these wonderful animals,” said Ms Sloane.
“The Minns Labor Government needs to explain what its proposed education campaign will involve and ensure improved signage so people are properly informed about these iconic fish and the new protections they enjoy.”
