Blue Groper Allegedly Illegally Speared in Cronulla

A blue groper was allegedly killed by a spear fisherman in Oak Park, south of Cronulla. The protected fish species, known as 'Gus,' was reportedly speared by a 26-year-old man and police were unable to locate the fish when they arrived. The man was issued a penalty notice for taking the groper without using a rod and line or handline. The NSW department of primary industries is investigating the incident, and the maximum penalty for breaching fishing regulations is a $22,000 fine or six months' imprisonment.