The NSW Government is deciding whether it will end a trial ban on recreational fishing of the iconic Eastern blue groper. The 12-month ban was introduced in March of 2024, and has been a significant source of controversy for the state’s recreational fishing community.

The ban was introduced after illegal spearfishing incidents in Sydney and Jervis Bay, according to a NSW Government Media Release from February of last year.

A CSIRO report published this year has found that the downward trend in Blue Groper numbers is largely due to rising sea temperatures in northern parts of the state.

Under the trial ban, first time offenders can face a $500 penalty infringement notice and maximum court-imposed fines of $22,000, or imprisonment for 6 months. This has been met with varying degrees of outrage from the recreational fishing community, who claim that the ban was based on an emotional response rather than scientific evidence of overfishing.

The Blue Groper in the state fish emblem of NSW, and many Australians in coastal areas feel a deep attachment with the iconic fish.

The Department of Primary Industries is yet to decide if the ban will continue after a year of consulting with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to Blue Groper fishing rule.

A decision will be announced in early March.

Image: Blue Groper numbers are dropping in parts of NSW as water temperatures rise. Image: Shutterstock – Sahara Frost

Produced By: Oliver Rodden

Featured In Story: Will Knoke – Marine Biologist at the University of Technology Sydney, and

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 26 February 2025