Protect the Critically Endangered Goliath Grouper from Killing in Florida

Protect Goliath Groupers in the Coastal Southeast Florida Hope Spot! In the early 1900's, Atlantic goliath groupers were abundant from Florida to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. If you have been lucky enough to be in the water with these creatures, then you appreciate their unflappable personalities and awe-inspiring size, which ranges up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. The goliath grouper has no natural predators besides large sharks and humans. Goliath groupers were overfished to such low population levels that, in 1990, the harvesting of species was banned in Florida state and US federal waters. These restrictions led to relative recovery off the coast of Florida, the only place where goliath groupers are now reliably found in any significant numbers. Nevertheless, they remain Red Listed on the IUCN Endangered Species list. Divers come from all over the world to see the goliath groupers spawn in the late summer, bringing big dollars that boost local economies. "A dead Goliath has a one-time value but alive will effectively contribute to Florida's tourist economy for decades, while doing their part in restoring health to Florida's deeply troubled coastal ecosystems." - Dr. Sylvia Earle Yet, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently considering allowing a limited harvest of goliath groupers in Florida waters!  The FWC is taking public comments now, and you do not have to be a Florida resident to weigh in. The comments coming in so far are 75% for allowing harvest and 25% for protection. Not good for the goliaths. Your voice can make a big difference in saving this iconic species. Please take a moment to tell the FWC to continue protections for the goliaths! This may be their last chance, and we can help. Feel free to use the language below as your comment. "I am disappointed to learn the FWC is considering allowing harvest of goliath groupers. Many countries look up to the United States as a leader in so many fields, including conservation, and here we are about to permit fishermen to take goliaths—a species depleted throughout its range, except Florida—and nursed back to healthy numbers over the course of 27 years of Federal and state protection. We strongly urge you to maintain protections for goliath groupers in Florida and to deny any requests for opening the fishery. A policy such as this would represent the best interests of the wildlife and humans in Florida, as well as rest on conclusions drawn from the best available science."  Comment Thank you for supporting our mission of exploring and protecting the big blue! Especially now, your donations, large and small - keep us afloat. We can't do this without you!

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