The Diving Equipment Marketing Association (DEMA) has released a statement welcoming the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWCC) decision to continue with a moratorium on the harvesting of goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara). This decision was reached at a meeting on 23 February, and was based on the lack of available data on population numbers.

Tom Ingram, DEMA Executive Director, said that:

“The goliath grouper’s size, visibility, low birth rate and slow movement seems to trace another of Florida’s truly majestic waterborne creatures – the manatee, and could easily be thrown back to species extinction if harvesting were allowed without verified stock assessments,”

THE DIVING EQUIPMENT MARKETING ASSOCIATION (DEMA) PROVIDES POSITION STATEMENT ON THE GOLIATH GROUPER ISSUE IN FLORIDA

Trade Association Supports Continued Protection and Further Stock Assessments:

San Diego, CA – In a meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWCC) on February 23, 2011, the moratorium on goliath grouper harvesting was maintained until data from more thorough stock assessments could be gathered to determine if the Florida goliath grouper stocks remain vulnerable to overfishing.

“We are gratified to have been involved in the efforts to influence the outcome of this issue,” said Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA. “Goliath grouper encounters are very popular among recreational scuba divers who greatly enjoy watching these remarkable creatures roam the ocean floor,” Ingram noted.

The DEMA position was taken in recognition of the FWCC’s own appraisal of its recent study, which indicates that a significant number of unverified assumptions were used resulting in data gaps. FWCC survey also found that 49% of Florida dive centers favor continuing protection at this time.

“The goliath grouper’s size, visibility, low birth rate and slow movement seems to trace another of Florida’s truly majestic waterborne creatures – the manatee, and could easily be thrown back to species extinction if harvesting were allowed without verified stock assessments,” concluded Ingram.

DEMA participates in legislative issues as they impact recreational scuba diving as part of its mission to promote sustainable growth in safe recreational diving and snorkeling while protecting the underwater environment. The organization identifies key issues that affect the growth and success of the scuba and snorkeling industry. It is the voice that speaks on behalf of the sport and its operational function is to create focused programs which positively affect the industry.

DEMA, the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association, is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and growth of the recreational scuba diving and snorkeling industry. With more than 1,400 members, this non-profit, global organization promotes scuba diving through many initiatives including consumer awareness programs, media campaigns and sponsorship of the DEMA Show, a trade event open only to companies doing business in the scuba diving, action water sports and adventure/dive travel industries. DEMA Show 2011 will take place November 2-5, 2011 in Orlando, FL. For more information on DEMA Show 2011 visit the show’s website. For more information on DEMA, call 858-616-6408 or visit the DEMA website. For more information on the Be A Diver campaign visit view the Be A Diver website.