Just days later, another man was caught spearfishing three blue gropers in Jervis Bay.

Blue gropers are particularly susceptible to spearfishing and, in the past, have been heavily harvested.

Craig McGill, owner of Fishabout Sydney Harbour, hit out at the new ban as “an emotive decision”, saying it was based on the behaviour of two individuals. He said no baseline data had been collected before the trial, meaning it would be difficult to see how the population changed over 12 months.

McGill added few people fish for blue groper because it requires special bait and can only be done in limited locations near rocky outcrops. Of his clients, only a few wanted to fish for blue gropers and release them (before the rule change), but otherwise, there wasn’t much demand for it.

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“They are an abundant fish, they’re not listed as endangered. They are friendly and cute, but you can’t do conservation and science based on being friendly and cute.”

Humane Society International Australia marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck welcomed the new rules but hoped the government would also seek to increase the number of marine protected areas.

The state’s marine parks cover one-third of NSW’s marine estate.

Chlebeck said the abundance of blue gropers indicated the health of marine ecosystems, but if a male dies off, the next largest female will take his place – changing her behaviour and physiology over a few weeks.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the changes would make clear the fish were to be admired, not targeted.

“With their bright blue colour, alongside their placid and curious nature, there is little wonder why these beautiful big fish are so well-loved by our coastal communities,” she said.

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