On Fri, 4 Jan 2002 David Strike <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

><snip of the kiwi shears>
>I've just had a 'phone call from Queensland that - quite literally -
>left me rolling on the floor with laughter.  Concerned about this
>wayward fish's effect on the dive tourism industry, the various
>groups, bodies and organisations have been discussing what should
>be done to protect divers. One of the guys suggested - what seemed
>to me to be the obvious solution - killing it and, (because it was
>apparently looking very undernourished in an area rich in natural
>food), taking it for scientific examination as to the
>possible cause for its attacks on divers.

I recall a couple of years ago some research scientist querying on a
fisheries list what protection and management measures we had in place for
the Potato Cod (E. tukula) and the Giant Gro(u)per (E. lanceolatus).
At that time here in Western OZ the Potato Cod were protected but there was
no management measures for the Giant Gro(u)per except a general maximum
size limit of 120 cm for all Cods and Gro(u)pers.  That was also when I
learned that the Giant Gro(u)per was listed as vulnerable in the 1996 IUCN
Red List of Threatened Animals.

I don't know why there is a difference in spelling between the East & West
of OZ but on our side of the island all our fish identification reference
books have Giant Groper instead of Giant Grouper :-)

>There was a huge outcry against this solution.  One concerned
>environmentalist who actually works in the field, (believe it or
>not!), suggesting that that would be totally unacceptable and that
>it might well be the case that the grouper was suffering from
>Pre-Menstrual Tension!  :-)

Why am I not surprised!! Just like the wowsers that want to counsel
Sydney's teenage fire bugs instead of giving them a good kick up the bum &
making them responsible for their actions.

>I'm surprised no one suggested rabies!  :-)

Wot .. you vampire you ;-))
Viv