Aussie locals furious at fisherman's 'horrible' act in front of beachgoers

Stunned beachgoers were forced to call the police over the weekend after a fisherman was seen illegally spearing and killing a beloved blue groper before allegedly "walking off proudly" at a popular recreational spot.

Gus, a beloved fish in the Cronulla region, is believed to be about 40-years-old, and is well-known to swimmers and divers who frequent Oak Park on the peninsula just south of Sydney. But the apparent brutal killing of the animal has triggered an outpouring of rage from the community and sparked an investigation into the incident by authorities.

Tenille Piek, whose family has been scuba diving with Gus for at least 30 years, said her mum approached the spear fisherman on Saturday and asked to take his photo before telling him off and explaining how he had allegedly breached the law.

Spear fisherman 'shows off his killing'

Unwittingly posing with the smoking gun, "he smiled and showed off his killing," she told local newspaper The Leader. "He did not appear to know it was a protected species and he could be fined up to $22,000, or given 6 months’ imprisonment," she continued. "He had no cares. He walked off proudly, while locals followed closely behind to report him and hopefully see the number plate on his car."

Spear fishing is banned at Oak Park rock pool and all around Port Hacking, with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) installing warning signs in the area a month ago following a similar incident involving a blue groper in May.

Police were called to the scene and spoke to the spear fisherman, who allegedly claimed to have thrown the groper back into the water, but those who had been watching argued against him. The DPI told Yahoo News Australia it "is investigating after a photograph and information were provided regarding the Blue Groper and the person involved at Oak Park, Cronulla".

"Blue Gropers are the official state fish and we are disappointed to hear one may have been illegally speared in Cronulla on Saturday. Groper are protected from commercial fishing and spearfishing," a DPI spokesperson said. "Blue groper can only legally be taken by line in NSW."

It is a $500 on-the-spot fine per offence for taking a groper by any method other than a line – with a maximum penalty of $11,000, the spokesperson added.

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Community fumes over blue groper's 'horrible' death

Furious residents have vented their anger over the reported killing of Gus, labelling it "horrible and tragic" on social media, with one person saying "everyone is going to be devastated if Gus is gone".

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia local James Comans argued "part of Cronulla should be a marine sanctuary and fines should be enforced" for any such transgressions. He said on Saturday there were "a range of divers" aged from 11 to 60 enjoying the water and ocean life. "The first thing the 11-year-old said when getting out was 'wow he is so friendly'. Gus actually brought smiles to everyones faces."

The experienced diver said Gus was friendly to people in the water, arguing it was no mean feat to spear the large groper.

"He would literally rub against you so it’s not even a challenge to spear him," he told Yahoo. "He was probably looking for a belly rub and he gets shot."

On New Year's Day, Abyss Scuba Diving, which is located nearby, posted a "heartfelt tribute to Gus" — a "friendly giant" who’s life was "unexpectedly cut short".

"Gus, you were more than just a diving buddy. You were a true companion, joining me on countless dives at Oak Park, Cronulla. Your untimely demise on December 30, 2023, at the hands of a spearfisherman has left us devastated," the local business wrote on Facebook.

The company said in a blog post that the blue groper's death has "sent ripples of shock throughout the community", prompting a "public outcry for stronger laws and more robust enforcement measures to protect these marine treasures".

Report any suspected illegal fishing activity online or by calling 1800 043 536 .

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