The illegal killing of a protected and familiar blue groper on the New South Wales Central Coast has triggered widespread community outrage and a concerted campaign for the establishment of a new marine sanctuary.
Community Petition Launched After 'Last Straw' Incident
The catalyst for the action was the spearing of a blue groper at Terrigal Haven in early December 2025. Local resident Nicole Conroy, who had swum with the same fish just a day before, described the incident as the final trigger. "Seeing it killed so soon after was really upsetting," Ms Conroy said. "That moment made me feel something needed to change."
In response, she launched a petition to the NSW Parliament, calling for the creation of a marine reserve at Toowoon Bay, located between The Entrance and Terrigal. The petition aims to "safeguard blue gropers, turtles and local marine biodiversity" in the popular swimming and snorkelling area.
Why Blue Gropers Hold Special Protected Status
Eastern blue gropers are a near-threatened species known for their curious and friendly nature around divers. They play a crucial ecological role by controlling populations of creatures like sea urchins. Due to historical overfishing by spearfishers, they have been protected in NSW since 1969, with spearfishing specifically banned.
This protection was significantly strengthened in early 2024 when a statewide ban on all forms of fishing for the species was introduced, a ban that was extended for another three years in March 2024.
Broad Local Support for a 'Shared Safe Space'
The petition argues that the Central Coast lacks a marine reserve, situated between the protected areas of Sydney and Port Stephens. It highlights that Toowoon Bay is not a commercial fishing zone and is heavily used by families, making it an ideal candidate for conservation.
"We're simply asking for increased protection in one small bay heavily used by children and young families, so marine life isn't killed there," Ms Conroy explained, emphasising the desire to share the extensive coastline responsibly.
The campaign has garnered significant local backing. The petition had already received 222 signatures, with support from the local surf life saving club, swimming groups, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and local MP David Mehan. Concerns have been raised about spearfishers operating near swimmers at locations like Shark Hole.
The community's forceful reaction to the groper's death has transformed grief into a determined push for lasting environmental protection on the Central Coast coastline.
