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Steve May / Ultimate Getaway
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Research conducted by scientists at Florida State University and the
National Marine Fisheries Service is intended to define the behavior, demographics,
and movement patterns of adult Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara associated
in spawning aggregations in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The research
could not have been conducted without the dedication and cooperation of
commercial fishers in South Florida who have helped us identify spawning
aggregation sites and participated in all components of the field research.
Such fishery-independent information will lead to estimates of stock recovery
and elucidation of the mating system of this important grouper species.
Goliath Grouper have been overexploited to the point of economic extinction. It was in large part due to public testimony of commercial fishers on the status of the fishery that resulted in protection for Florida populations. At this point, the level of recovery in the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone or 200-mile Limit) is uncertain. Evaluation of the dynamics of spawning aggregations by visual and acoustic methods could provide a basis for monitoring recovery. That is, if Goliath Grouper abundance in spawning aggregations is a correlate of stock size, then these fishery-independent methods can be used efficiently to monitor recovery. The benefits of recovery may well extend into additional commercial enterprises, particularly ecotourism as opportunities to view these magnificent fish in their natural habitat increases. |