ATLANTIC GOLIATH GROUPER FISHERY
TUNE IN: https://zoom.us/j/98512070395
Every fall, endangered Goliath Grouper flock to the wrecks of Palm Beach County to spawn. Year by year they slowly replenish their species, which was once on the brink of extinction. This rise in population has led some Floridians to question the current fishing ban on Goliath Grouper. Tune in on Thursday, August 20th as we learn from Dr. Chris Koenig about the reality of opening Goliath Grouper populations to harvest. Dr. Koenig is a retired Research Marine Ecologist from Florida State University. The presentation begins online at 6 PM.
The Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, is a large indigenous tropical reef fish. As a result of intense fishing pressure and destruction of mangroves, its essential juvenile habitat, Goliath Grouper approached extinction in U. S. waters by the 1980s. In 1990, federal and state laws intervened to protect this species. The resulting Goliath Grouper fishery closure allowed limited, slow population recovery in Florida. The closure led to the blossoming of a dive ecotourism industry catering to divers from all over the world seeking opportunities to see and photograph these enormous fish up close.
ECOTOURISM VS. FISHING
The dive ecotourism industry demonstrated a potential economic value of Goliath Grouper vastly greater what could be gained through fishing. During the presentation, Dr. Koenig will present an overview of Goliath Grouper’s biology. He will detail the controversy surrounding the species’ protection, and the many problems associated with re-establishing a Goliath Grouper fishery. These problems include continual loss of mangrove nursery habitat, destructive episodic events such as red tide and cold snaps, and the effects of mercury contamination on both the fish’s survival and the health of anyone consuming these fishes.
SIGN UP FOR THE ATLANTIC GOLIATH GROUPER FISHERY PRESENTATION:
After you register, you will receive a link to tune in to the meeting via Zoom. Can’t make it then? Check out the presentation afterwards on the Pura Vida Divers’ Facebook page.
DIVE WITH GIANTS
Ready to swim alongside these gentle giants? From weekly wreck dives to Full Moon Night Dives, we have so many chances for you to dive with amazing Goliath Grouper throughout August and September! Space is limited, so save your spot.
Keep your memories alive with “fintastic” photos from your dives! Pair your charter with a Goliath Grouper Photography Workshop, taught by PVD Photo Pro Andrea Whitaker. Contact us to learn more: 561-840-8750 or reservations@puravidadivers.com.
SUPPORT GOLIATH GROUPER RESEARCH
Show your support for ongoing Goliath Grouper research and preservation by purchasing a Goliath Grouper pin. These pins are available for pickup at Pura Vida Divers. Don’t live locally? We can ship them right to your door!
Proceeds from the sale of this pin go directly to the Florida State University Coastal Marine Laboratory.
Call the shop to order yours today: 561-840-8750.
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