Why is the eastern blue groper not protected?

Louie writes:
I read on another website of the spearing of a big groper at Koonya Beach. I was under the impression that it was illegal to spear these fish due to their timid nature and susceptibility. I subsequently called NRE to confirm and they informed me that it was not on the protected species list. The eastern blue groper has been totally protected in New South Wales waters since 1969. Why is it that we don't have uniform laws to protect fish that are particularly vulnerable to certain forms of fishing? I have seen groper at Koonya Beach in previous years and it is sad to hear that a reef species such as this has been taken. I love fishing and spearfishing in particular but if the so-called professionals don't show any ethics regarding reef species, how can we ensure their future? I'd also like to see fisheries add this species to their list but am not aware what the process is.
(29 October 2002)

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