A Western Australia fisherman has been slammed for spearing and cooking up a large blue groper – despite it being legal in the state.
Jaiden Mole posted a video of the catch to social media on Monday, and admitted that ‘this might be the most controversial thing you can do while spearfishing’.
‘A blue groper this size is about 15-years old,’ Mr Mole continued.
Footage showed him spearing the fish in waters off Western Australia – where the practice is legal – before filleting his catch and cooking it up.
‘It’s pretty hard to argue the eating quality,’ he said.
‘Have a look at that white flesh. Whip up a bit of beer batter and slap the fish straight into the fryer.
‘Cook until golden, and you’ll be left with the tastiest 15-year old sandwich you’ve ever had.’
But the video drew angry reactions, with one user fuming, ‘they’re like the puppy dogs of the sea, why would you post that?’
Jaiden Mole posted a video of the catch to social media on Monday, and admitted that ‘this might be the most controversial thing you can do while spearfishing’.
Footage showed Jaiden Mole spearing the fish in waters off Western Australia – where the practice is legal
‘Not really a challenge shooting one of those,’ said another. ‘You can basically pat them they’re that docile.’
‘That ain’t cool,’ another said.
Blue gropers are known for their calm and curious temperament which makes them vulnerable to spear fishers.
Catching the species has previously caused fury in NSW, where it is protected and stands as the state’s official fish.
A blue groper fondly known by locals as Gus was illegally killed by a spear fisherman in Oak Park, Cronulla in January.
An online petition launched by the Animal Justice Party reached 5813 signatures, urging NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty to increase penalties after the 26-year-old man was slapped with an $800 fine.
Days later, the killing of three female gropers in Vincentia, about three hours south of Sydney, caused further outrage, with one local describing the animals as ‘friendly labradors of the sea’.
Blue groper are protected in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, but not in Western Australia
The NSW Government in February prohibited catching blue groper by any method, including line fishing.
Previously, the laws only protected gropers (including brown, red, and blue species of the fish) from spearfishing and commercial fishing, and allowed people to catch two a day.
The new law was implemented on a 12-month trial basis, with the Department of Primary Industries set to consult with stakeholders and the community on the changes to the rules.
Anyone breaking the law could face court fines of $22,000 or imprisonment of up to 6 months for a first offence.
The new laws do not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.
The fish is also protected in Victoria and Tasmania, but in Western Australia it has a daily bag limit of one fish over 50cm.
