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 19, 2016 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.
Dr. Christopher Koenig, professor at Florida State University (FSU), 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 research and knowledge is certain to make us all a much more educated goliath grouper diver. For more information about Dr. Christopher Koenig and his research, please visit his staff page on the FSU website.
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 and Goliath grouper cut outs to raise money for current research taking place at FSU. So don’t forget to bring some cash!!
Itinerary for the Evening:
6:15 – 7:00 Happy Hour!
(Food, drinks and socializing)
7:00 – 7:45 Presentation by Dr. Christopher Koenig
7:45 – 8:00 Q & A with Dr. Koenig and 50/50 cash drawing
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 17, 2016
(561) 840-8750
info.pvd@puravidadivers.co
Pura Vida Divers will be conducting 2-tank dive trips aboard Sirena on Saturday, August 20th at 8:30am and 1:30pm, and a 1-tank night dive on Saturday, August 20th at 8:00pm to search for Goliath groupers and the behaviors discussed during our social night. For more information please visit:
