Have you been diving with Goliath Groupers?  It’s a surreal experience.  These huge fish overshadow the largest of divers.

But despite their size, they’re vulnerable.

Tune in to our Protecting Goliath Grouper social night.  Research biologist, Dr. Chris Malinowski, is here to teach us about Goliaths.  Find out current threats to this species. Understand why we must protect them.

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper is a true giant.  It’s the largest tropical reef-dwelling boney fish in the world.  Native to Atlantic waters, this massive fish can reach 8 feet in length.  They can weigh up to 800 pounds!

 

A RECENT HISTORY

Sadly, their size wasn’t a deterrent to hunters.  Instead, it was an incentive to trophy fishermen.  By the 1980s, Goliath Grouper faced local extinction.  Then, in 1990, federal and state laws intervened.  The laws resulted in the closure of the Goliath Grouper fishery.

Over the next few years, the Goliath Grouper population in Florida slowly recovered.  Like many things, when one door closes, another opens.

The fishery closure allowed ecotourism to grow.  Divers near and far traveled to Southeast Florida.  They wanted to dive with and photograph these giants.

Goliath Grouper shifted to an ecotourism resource.  Their new value to the scuba diving and tourism industries was greater than what was once gained from fishing.

Then, while Grouper populations were still recovering, agencies began to discuss re-establishing the fishery.  Until recently, all attempts were rejected.  This leads us to today.  The fate of the Atlantic Goliath Grouper population now hangs in the balance.

Photo shared courtesy of Chris Malinowski.  Taken during Goliath Grouper field research.

TAKE ACTION & LEARN MORE:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently voted in favor of a proposal for a limited Goliath Grouper fishery. Research biologist Chris Malinowski will tell us why that’s a bad idea.

Join us via Zoom to understand the fight for survival that Goliaths are facing. Learn about:

  • Goliath Grouper biology
  • Seasonal Gatherings & Mating
  • Controversy over their protection
  • Drawbacks to re-opening a fishery

Join the nearly 100 scientists from around the world who oppose opening the Goliath Grouper fishery.  These scientists include Fabien Cousteau, Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Carl Safina.  Find out how you can make your voice heard on this important topic.

Learn about the local resources in place to advocate for protecting Goliath Grouper.

WHEN & WHERE: PROTECTING GOLIATH GROUPER

Tune in via Zoom on Friday, August 27th at 6 PM.  Learn about current issues that impact Goliath Groupers and humans alike.

Learn from prominent scientists.  Become part of the discussion.  We can’t wait to see you there!

Read more about Dr. Malinowski’s Goliath Grouper conservation efforts here.  Read the letter that Chris and other conservation biologists wrote to the FWC that was supported by scientists around the world.  Then, join the social night to learn more.

Video in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau.  Shared by Chris Malinowski.

Video shared by Chris Malinowski, PhD.

Want to RSVP, or have questions?  Contact us at reservations@puravidadivers.com or call 561-840-8750.  We can’t wait to see you soon!