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New protections will come into effect for an iconic species of fish after a beloved Cronulla local, Gus the Groper, was allegedly speared to death in Sydney's south in December.
The eastern blue groper, the NSW marine emblem, will become more protected than ever before, with it soon to be illegal to catch the fish on a line anywhere in the state.
Offenders will be hit with a maximum fine of $22,000 and/or six months in jail if they are found to have broken the law.
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"This will take it further. So you won't be able to catch them with a line, anywhere in New South Wales," Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said.
"This is a 12-month trial, and we'll be consulting with fishing groups and the rest of the community."
The spearfisher who killed Gus at Cronulla Beach in December was fined just $800.
Gropers are known to be friendly and curious fish and are known to inhabit one location for decades.
The blue groper has been protected from spearfishing since 1969.
It was protected against commercial fishing in 1980.
NSW government's fisheries department will launch educational activities to increase awareness about responsible fishing practices following the changes to the laws.
