Petition: continue to protect goliath groupers

by Eric Cheng Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Goliath grouper in Jupiter, Florida (photo: Douglas Seifert)

Goliath groupers, which were listed until 2006 as a critically endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), may soon lose their protection from fishing due to recovering population levels and pressure from fisherman. Divers have long enjoyed the company of these, huge, friendly fish, and if taking goliath groupers becomes legal once again, population levels may fall quickly.

Photographer Laz Ruda next to a goliath grouper (photo: Jim Abernethy)

Please help us to keep goliath groupers in the list of protected species by signing our petition!

Sign the petition at the petition site, or sign it immediately here on Wetpixel.

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In Brazil, protection was implemented in 2002, when the regulation established a five-year ban on harvesting, possession and commercialization of this species. The moratorium has been expanded until 2012. During this period, research is needed in order to further evaluate its conservation status throughout its Brazilian range. Community collaboration and knowledge has been evidently crucial in the development of the first stage of the Meros do Brasil Network (2002-2006) and was defined as a major component of the current stage. Therefore, the project is putting much more effort into trying to develop a parallel program that would improve and maximize the work with local communities and local knowledge. The multi-institutional “Program on Local Knowledge and Practices” was signed in June 2007, and aims to effectively make local knowledge a viable mechanism for marine conservation in Brazil. The implementation of the Program has opened up the possibilities to work not only with goliath grouper research and conservation, but with other important social aspects concerning the sustainability of marine resources in Brazil. If you are interested get in touch: www.merosdobrasil.org Meros do Brasil Network will be signing the petition!
Posted by oceans on 2009-10-23 16:38:17 Thanks for the additional information, Walt. I hope there is a large contingent of supporters at the meeting!
Posted by Eric Cheng on 2009-10-08 10:27:34 Yes, by all means sign the petition. But, if you really want to make an impact in keeping this fish protected in Florida waters, attend the FWC meeting this December 10th, 2009, which will be taking place in Cewiston, Florida. Here is the link for information - http://www.myfwc.com/COMMISSION/Comm_2009.htm In addition to Goliath Grouper, this public meeting/workshop will also be discussing the future of Shark Fishing, in which there is an on going discussion at getting the Lemon Shark moved to protected status in State Waters. The success of both campaigns will largely be determined by how many of us attend and speak for these marine animals behalf. Having been in the trenches for Goliath Groupers for the past few years, and now currently in the fight to have Lemon Sharks protected as well, I will say petitions are useful, but going face to face with FWC Commissioners and Staff have the greatest impact. I look forward to seeing as many of you there. PLEASE ATTEND THE MEETING DEC 10TH!
Posted by Walt Stearns on 2009-10-08 10:01:00 Seriously guys and gals, sign the petition. Goliath groupers are puppy dogs and as top predators, aren't afraid of divers. While diving in the Florida Keys I have seen my share of ill-advised divers taking shots at Goliaths, mistaking them for Black grouper. They are curious by nature and will stop to investigate an oncoming diver. There is absolutely no sport in that. If we open them to hunting how long will they last?
Posted by LuckyInk on 2009-10-08 08:36:12