It’s that time of the year again! The goliath groupers have begun their yearly aggregation to the wrecks and reefs of Palm Beach. Experiencing these amazing aggregations is an incredible sight to behold, but do you know what is really going on? Do you know the history behind these leviathans?
Goliath groupers, previously known as jewfish, were targeted by fishermen in uncontrolled numbers until 1990. This exploitation of the goliath grouper caused the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to list it as critically endangered and the fishery was closed in 1990.
As divers, we get to observe goliath groupers in their natural environment and with frequent and regular sightings, we often become familiar with local trends and population sizes. So it is up to the diving community to raise awareness to help keep the goliath groupers protected.
In honor of the goliath grouper, Pura Vida Divers will be hosting a Social Night on August 14, 2015 to raise awareness for these magnificent creatures. This is a FREE event!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a diver, surfer, or beach goer, everyone is welcome to attend. So join us for an evening of socializing, delicious food, and goliath groupers.
Walt Sterns, a local dive expert, will be presenting. Topics will include: Goliath grouper ecology (habitat and behavior, including reproductive habits), current research, “Goliath Grouper Manners” (what we should and should not do when we see these creatures locally), and what we can all do to protect goliath grouper populations world wide. His years of knowledge working alongside scientists is certain to make us all a much more educated goliath grouper diver.
Our team will be providing drinks and appetizers, and guests are welcomed to bring a small covered dish of food to the Social Night. This way everyone is sure to have their favorite dish. This is not a requirement! If you are unable to bring a dish, please do not let the dish prevent you from coming.
We will also have a 50/50 cash drawing to raise money for the Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program. So don’t forget to bring some cash!!
Itinerary for the Evening:
6:15 – 7:00 Happy Hour!
(Food, drinks and socializing)
7:00 – 8:00 Presentation by Walt Sterns
8:00 – 8:30 Q & A with Walt Sterns and 50/50 cash drawing
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 12, 2015
(561) 840-8750
info.pvd@puravidadivers.co
Pura Vida Divers will be conducting 2 tank dive trips aboard Sirena on Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th at 8:30am and 1:30pm to search for Goliath groupers and the behaviors discussed during our social night. For more information please visit: https://www.puravidadivers.com/goliath-grouper-wreck-dives-aboard-sirena
For more information about the Monofilament Recovery & Recycling Program please visit: http://mrrp.myfwc.com/about.aspx
