Western Blue Groper protected at Rottnest Island

by Department of Fisheries WA on 31 May 2008 Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has announced a new measure to protect one of Western Australia’s largest fish species, the western blue groper, in waters around Rottnest Island.

As of June 1, western blue groper will be totally protected within the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve, which includes all waters surrounding the island, extending to about two kilometres offshore.

'The shallow reefs around Rottnest Island provide an ideal environment for divers to observe these iconic fish in their natural habitat,' Mr Ford said.

'Protecting these wonderful fish in this unique area will add to the dive tourism values of Rottnest - and add to the environmental legacy we leave for future generations.'

The natural range for western blue groper extends from Geraldton to the South Australian border and beyond, but they are a rare sight along WA’s west coast, especially off the metropolitan area.

The Minister said that in past years, the local population of western blue groper had been impacted by fishing.

The depletion of the species in waters around Rottnest was one of the main concerns raised by various stakeholders during last year’s review of the island’s marine management strategy.

Western blue groper can live to 70 years, reach 1.7m in length and weigh 40kg. However, they are residential in nature, live in small groups, mature as green-coloured females at 15-20 years and change sex to blue-coloured males at about 82cm in length and 30 years.

Outside the Rottnest Island Reserve, the recreational take of blue groper is limited to a bag limit of one and a minimum size limit of 50cm. Restrictions also apply to commercial fisheries outside Rottnest Island waters.

'Given the nature of this vulnerable species on the west coast, we need to protect it in popular holiday spots such as Rottnest Island,' Mr Ford said.

'In this way, I hope future generations will have opportunities to encounter this curious and fascinating fish in the wild.'

Under the Fisheries Resources Management Act 1994, anyone convicted of taking a totally protected species faces a fine of up to $5,000 plus 10 times the value of the fish for a first offence.

A fact sheet published by the Department of Fisheries on western blue groper explains more about their unusual biology and current status.

This sheet is available at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/FactSheets/index.php?0706