Westerly Blue Groper protected at Rottnest Isle
On May 31, 2008
“” © Fisheries Minister Ronnie Ford has announced new measure to defend one of Westerly Australia’s largest fish species, the westerly blue groper, in waters about Rottnest Isle.
As of May 1, westerly blue groper will be entirely protected within the Rottnest Isle Maritime Reserve, which includes all waters surrounding the isle, extending to around two miles offshore.
‘The shallow reefs about Rottnest Isle supply an irreproachable environment for divers to observe these iconic fish in their natural habitat,” Sir Ford said.
‘Protecting these wonderful fish in this unique area will join to the dive tourism values of Rottnest - & join to the environmental legacy we leave for future generations.”
The natural range for westerly blue groper extends from Geraldton to the South Australian border & beyond, but they’re rare sight along WA’s west beach, particularly off the metropolitan area.
The Minister said that in past years, the local population of westerly blue groper had been impacted by fishing.
The depletion of the species in waters about Rottnest was one of the main concerns raised by various stakeholders during last year’s review of the isle’s nautical management strategy.
Westerly blue groper can live to 70 years, reach 1.7 meters in length & weigh 40kg. Notwithstanding, they’re residential in nature, live in little groups, mature as green-coloured females at 15-20 years & change sex to blue-coloured males at around 82cm in length & 30 years.
Outside the Rottnest Isle Reserve, the recreational take of blue groper is limited to bag limit of one & minimum size limit of 50cm. Restrictions besides apply to commercial fisheries outside Rottnest Isle waters.
‘Given the nature of this exposed species on the west beach, we need to defend it in favourite holiday spots such as Rottnest Isle,” Sir Ford said.
‘In this way, I hope future generations will have opportunities to encounter this inquisitive & fascinating fish in the wild.”
Under the Fisheries Resources Management React 1994, anyone convicted of attractive wholly protected species faces great of up to USD 5,000 plus 10 times the value of the fish for 1st offence.
A fact sheet published by the Department of Fisheries on westerly blue groper explains more around their uncommon biology & actual status.
This sheet is to hand at
by Department of Fisheries WA