‘‘Something’s fishy,’’ was a frequent cry at a rally outside State Parliament, which heard from speakers representing fisheries staff, Sutherland Shire Council, the Opposition, Greens and union movement.

Research scientist Kevin Rowlings said the decision, which was made without planning, analysis or consultation, couldn’t be about decentralisation if 40 of the staff were being relocated to other parts of Sydney and Wollongong.

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said there was growing evidence the decision was based on political ideology and an attack on fishing science.

‘‘Your research helps determine [fish] size limits and bag limits, which [Premier] Barry O’Farrell doesn’t want you to be doing so efficiently,’’ she said.

Ms Faehrmann said she had heard that before the election, National Party Leader Andrew Stoner had told a public forum at Laurieton, near Port Macquarie, that the people present knew more about fisheries management and fishing than those at the Cronulla centre.

Professional fishermen had also been going around saying Cronulla was to be ‘‘smashed’’, she said.

Opposition Leader John Robertson, Sutherland Shire councillor Phil Blight and Public Service Association assistant secretary Shane O’Brien encouraged staff to fight on and promised continued support.