Good news for friendliest fish in the sea

Monday, 18 April 2011 Media release The Victorian National Parks Association today welcomed the State Government's decision to protect the eastern and western blue groper from fishing by imposing a 12 month 'no catch' limit. "The blue groper is known as the friendliest fish in the sea, due to its habit of swimming up to divers to take a closer look," said Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan. "This precautionary approach taken by the government to quickly provide temporary protection for the blue groper is a welcome first step.

Blue gropers are known by divers as the friendliest fish in the sea. Photo: Mark Rodrigue.

"It's crucial in the next 12 months to conduct a thorough no-take population and distribution assessment of the species that includes input from all stakeholders to inform longer term protection arrangements.

"We can also utilise extensive research conducted in South Australia about blue groper's habitat requirements.

"The recovery of the blue broper could provide a tourism drawcard for Victoria, with the species well known to attract snorkellers and divers to marine sanctuaries in New South Wales," he said.

Blue groper numbers have declined since the 1960s and 70s due to fishing pressures, but a number of individuals have been recently been spotted again in Port Philip Bay and in marine sanctuaries along Victoria's coastline.

For comment

• Simon Branigan, Marine & Coastal Project Officer - 0409 087 278.

 

Government media release
VNPA submission to blue groper consultation process