The killing of the protected species has prompted calls for the Haven to be recognised as an aquatic reserve.
A protected eastern blue groper has been killed by a spear fisher in Terrigal Haven on the New South Wales Central Coast, prompting calls for better public awareness about the local marine life at the popular tourist spot.
Steve Farthing was walking at the Haven on Sunday when he said he saw the large fish being dragged up the boat ramp by a man.
Mr Farthing said other people also witnessed the incident and approached the spear fisher, "telling him what he'd done wrong".
It was then, he recalled, the man "appeared to panic and went and dumped the fish in the carpark and took off down the boardwalk.
"He looked quite shocked by it all," Mr Farthing said.
Groper death under investigation
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was alerted and the man later returned to talk to Fisheries officers.
In a statement, the DPI said the circumstances surrounding the groper's death were still being investigated.
A spokesperson said officers seized the dead fish as well as the man's fishing gear.
The latest groper death has led to fresh calls for better signage at Terrigal Haven, to help educate both fishers and the public about the Haven's sea life.
Better public awareness
Terrigal ocean swimmer Ray Moore raised the concept with Central Coast Council two years ago, and said "blue groper to grey nurse sharks and everything in between" lived in the inlet beside Terrigal Beach.
"While they are not all protected, they're amazing fish and we'd like the public to know they exist," Mr Moore said.
Eastern blue groper, considered a Near Threatened species, has been protected from spearfishing in New South Wales for more half a century.
A state-wide ban on all other forms of fishing of the iconic species was introduced in early 2024, after several were killed in Sydney.
That ban was extended in March, for another three years.
Anyone caught taking the Near Threatened species faces significant fines or possible jail time.
Mr Moore stressed his proposed signage was not about banning any particular sport or activity but admitted having the area recognised as an aquatic reserve would be the ultimate "dream".
He said people needed to pay better attention to the species that are protected.
"I think that would help protect our lovely fish we all love, and swim with constantly."