This blog post will delve into two distinct incidents that occurred in Australia: the kicking of a penguin in St Kilda and the killing of Gus, a blue groper in New South Wales (NSW). We’ll examine the penalties associated with these actions and how they reflect the evolution of wildlife protection laws.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">Historical Context</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">Wildlife protection laws in Australia have a rich history, dating back to the 19th century. Over the years, these laws have evolved to accommodate the changing needs of wildlife conservation. The introduction of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 marked a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to protecting its unique biodiversity.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">The St Kilda Penguin Incident</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">In December 2023, a shocking incident occurred in St Kilda, Victoria, where three individuals were accused of kicking a little penguin. The penguin was found in the middle of tram tracks at Alfred Square and The Esplanade. The penalties for such an act can be severe, with maximum penalties ranging from $3,846 to $48,077. This incident highlights the importance of wildlife protection laws and the severe consequences that can result from their violation.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">The Gus the Blue Groper Case</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">In contrast, let’s consider the case of <a href="https://www.ecoreef.co/2024/01/the-public-outcry-for-gus-beacon-of.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gus, a blue groper in NSW</a>. Gus was a well-known and beloved figure among locals and tourists alike. However, Gus’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed. The incident sparked outrage and led to calls for stricter penalties for harming blue gropers. In response, the NSW government revised the penalties for killing or fishing blue gropers, making it one of the most heavily protected fish species in the state.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">Public Reaction</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">The public reaction to both incidents was one of shock and dismay. In St Kilda, locals rallied to protect the penguin population, while in NSW, the death of Gus led to a public outcry and calls for stronger protections for blue gropers. These reactions underscore the public’s commitment to wildlife conservation and their willingness to hold those who harm wildlife accountable.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">Comparative Analysis</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">When comparing the two incidents, it’s clear that both Victoria and NSW take wildlife protection seriously, as evidenced by the hefty penalties for harming protected species. However, the specific penalties vary between the two states and depend on the species in question. The revision of the penalties for killing blue gropers in NSW demonstrates the dynamic nature of wildlife protection laws and their ability to adapt in response to specific incidents.<p style="text-align: center"><br /><h2 style="text-align: center">Evolution Of Penalties &amp; The Case Of Gus The Blue Groper</h2><p style="text-align: center"><br /><p style="text-align: center">Originally, the blue groper was only protected from spearfishing since 1969 and commercial fishing since 1980. However, recent incidents involving blue gropers, including the unfortunate case of Gus, led to a public outcry and calls for stronger protections for this species. In response to these incidents and community concerns, the NSW government took steps to ensure the protection of the blue groper by prohibiting fishing a blue groper by any method, including line fishing.<p style="text-align: center">Under the new rules, a person found killing and or taking a blue groper in NSW by any method may face a $500 penalty infringement notice and/or a maximum court-imposed fine of $22,000 or imprisonment for 6 months (or both) for a first offense. For a second or subsequent offense and maybe any other offense after that, a perpetrator may receive a $44,000 fine or imprisonment for 12 months (or both). The interesting wording used makes this whole event of maybe. <p style="text-align: center">The changes were initially implemented for a 12-month trial period during which time the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) consulted with stakeholders and the broader community on longer-term changes to blue groper fishing rules. Given the cultural significance of the species to many Aboriginal people, the new changes do not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.<p style="text-align: center">The NSW government’s decision to revise the penalties for killing or fishing blue gropers demonstrates their commitment to wildlife protection and their willingness to adapt laws in response to specific incidents and public sentiment. This change also underscores the importance of public participation in shaping wildlife protection laws and policies.<p style="text-align: center">The evolution of penalties for <a href="https://www.ecoreef.co/2024/01/the-blue-groper-chronicles-tale-of.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">harming blue gropers in NSW</a> reflects the dynamic nature of wildlife protection laws and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and societal values.