A Western Australian fisherman has been criticized for spearing and cooking an oversized blue melon, even though it is legal in the state.
Jaiden Mole posted a video of the catch on social media on Monday, admitting that “this might be the most controversial thing you can do while spearfishing.”
“A blue marauder of this size is about 15 years old,” Mr Mole continued.
Footage showed him harpooning the fish in waters off Western Australia, where the practice is legal, before filleting his catch and cooking it.
“It’s quite difficult to argue with the quality of consumption,” he said.
‘Take a look at that white meat. Whip up some beer batter and put the fish directly into the fryer.
“Cook until golden brown and you’ll have the tastiest 15-year-old sandwich you’ve ever had.”
But the video sparked angry reactions, with one user fuming: “They’re like puppies from the sea, why would you post that?”
Jaiden Mole posted a video of the catch on social media on Monday, admitting that “this might be the most controversial thing you can do while spearfishing.”
Footage showed Jaiden Mole spearing the fish in waters off Western Australia, where the practice is legal.
“It’s not really a challenge to shoot one of those,” said another. “You can basically pat them, they’re that docile.”
“That’s not right,” said another.
Blue pissers are known for their calm and curious temperament, making them vulnerable to spearfishers.
The capture of this species has caused a sensation in New South Wales, where it is protected and is the official state fish.
A blue marauder known affectionately to locals as Gus was illegally killed by a spear fisherman in Oak Park, Cronulla, in January.
An online petition launched by the Animal Justice Party has reached 5,813 signatures, urging NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty to increase penalties after the 26-year-old man was fined $800.
Days later, the murder of three female gropers in Vincentia, about three hours south of Sydney, sparked even more outrage, with one local describing the animals as “friendly sea labradors”.
The blue grocer is protected in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania, but not in Western Australia
In February, the New South Wales government banned the capture of the blue doe by any method, including line fishing.
Previously, laws only protected clappers (including brown, red and blue fish species) from spearfishing and commercial fishing, and allowed catching two per day.
The new law was implemented on a 12-month trial, with the Department for Primary Industries set to consult with stakeholders and the community on changes to the rules.
Anyone who breaks the law could face court fines of $22,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months for a first offense.
The new laws do not apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing.
The fish is also protected in Victoria and Tasmania, but Western Australia has a daily bag limit of one fish over 50cm.