FROM 1 March 2024, taking Eastern Blue Groper by any method, including line fishing, is prohibited as part of a 12-month trial.
During the 12-month trial, DPI Fisheries is consulting with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to Eastern Blue Groper fishing rules. Public submissions are now open, see below for more information.
Eastern Blue Groper consultation form
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.
Given the cultural significance of the species to Aboriginal people the new changes will not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.
Have your say!
NSW DPI is encouraging the public to have their say on the 12 month trial of rule changes to eastern blue groper. Submissions close 5pm 30 April 2024.
Eastern Blue Groper consultation form
