A protected eastern blue groper was speared in Terrigal Haven on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday, prompting calls for the area to be declared an aquatic reserve. The incident occurred as a spear fisher dragged the large fish up a boat ramp, witnessed by bystanders including Steve Farthing.
Farthing said the man appeared to panic after being confronted by witnesses and dumped the fish in a car park before fleeing. The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) later seized the dead fish and the man's fishing gear, and is investigating the circumstances.
Eastern blue groper, a near-threatened species, has been protected from spearfishing in NSW for over 50 years. A statewide ban on all other fishing of the species was introduced in early 2024 following several killings in Sydney. Offenders face significant fines or possible jail time.
Ocean swimmer Ray Moore, who proposed better signage at Terrigal Haven two years ago, said the inlet is home to diverse marine life including blue groper and grey nurse sharks. He hopes for an aquatic reserve designation, calling it the ultimate 'dream' to enhance protection and public awareness.
