04/03/2024
Have your say on the recent ban on fishing for Eastern Groper.
Well we hope every NSW Recreational Fisher, young or old, will take the opportunity to share their polite thoughts (make your submission count and not end up in the bin) about the recent decision to ban recreational line fishing, to catch and possess any Eastern 'Blue or other Coloured' Groper, of any size, for the next 12 months.
So Have Your Say NOW on the 'no take' trial for Eastern Blue Groper
From 1 March 2024, fishing for Eastern Blue Groper (also known as blue, brown or red groper) by any method, including line fishing, is prohibited as part of a 12-month trial, to increase protection of this iconic species.
We would like to hear your feedback on making Eastern Blue Groper a ‘no take’ species in NSW, so please head to our website and complete the consultation form -
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs/new-blue-groper-fishing-rule-changes
While most fishers complied with the existing fishing rules for Eastern Blue Groper, prohibiting line fishing for a 12-month trial period means the same rules apply for all fishers.
Anyone caught contravening the closure and taking Eastern Blue Groper in NSW by any method will face a $500 penalty infringement notice and/or a maximum court-imposed fines of $22,000 or imprisonment for 6 months (or both) for a first offence and $44,000 or imprisonment for 12 months (or both) for a second or subsequent offence.
The online feedback form is now open until 30 April 2024; however, NSW DPI Fisheries will continue consultation with stakeholders over the course of the 12 month trial.
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs/new-blue-groper-fishing-rule-changes