As the state fish emblem of New South Wales, you would think that the Blue Groper would command a little more respect from local residents. Grievously, hapless humans continue to dishonor the fundamental laws of nature by persistently endangering numerous species, and have poached several of these gentle giants on a night time raid on the sea floor of Cabbage Tree Bay near Manly.
On the evening of May 26th, three divers entered a strict no-fishing zone in a local marine reserve and forcibly removed these mysterious creatures from their natural habitat. While certainly a visually stunning and delectable creature, one has to wonder if this atrocious crime was committed because of the fish’s intrinsic abilities to simply manifest a sex change.
Blue Gropers are all born female, though that may not be their inherent preference. Researchers speculate that if the female to male ratio is exceeded, then the strongest female transgenders herself into a male to preserve and increase the population. Unfortunately, the fish are unable to communicate in English, so I suppose we’ll never really know if it’s a case of self preservation or the need to feel at peace in one’s body.
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Though there were witnesses to this horrible crime, unfortunately nothing could be done for these gender-confused species. According to The Age, resident Stephen Drylie, said he ''watched on helplessly'' as three divers entered the protected marine reserve.
Drylie fears Manly has lost a ''generation of wondrous marine life in one night''.
''On Sunday morning, I went snorkeling to see my old friends - the gropers,'' he said.
''There was only one to be found where … six to 10 was the norm.''
The criminals have yet to be apprehended and there is no word on whether this was a hate crime or a simple case of greed.
It is illegal in the state to murder or sell Blue Groper and there is a maximum penalty of $11,000 if caught.
