Have you been diving with Goliath Groupers? It’s a surreal experience. These huge fish overshadow the largest of divers.
But despite their size, they’re vulnerable.
Tune in to our social night to learn about protecting Goliath Grouper. Researchers from the Ocean First Institute will teach us about Goliaths. Find out current threats to this species. Understand why we must protect them.
A RECENT HISTORY
Sadly, their size wasn’t a deterrent to hunters. Instead, it was an incentive to trophy fishermen. By the 1980s, Goliath Grouper faced local extinction. Then, in 1990, federal and state laws intervened. The laws resulted in the closure of the Goliath Grouper fishery.
Over the next few years, the Goliath Grouper population in Florida slowly recovered. Like many things, when one door closes, another opens.
The fishery closure allowed ecotourism to grow. Divers near and far traveled to Southeast Florida. They wanted to dive with and photograph these giants.
Goliath Grouper shifted to an ecotourism resource. Their new value to the scuba diving and tourism industries was greater than what was once gained from fishing.
Then, while Grouper populations were still recovering, agencies began to discuss re-establishing the fishery. Until recently, all attempts were rejected. This leads us to today.
Photo shared courtesy of Chris Malinowski. Taken during Goliath Grouper field research.
TAKE ACTION & LEARN MORE:
In recent years, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted in favor of a proposal for a limited Goliath Grouper fishery.
Join us via Zoom to understand the fight for survival that Goliaths are facing. Learn about:
- Goliath Grouper biology
- Seasonal Gatherings & Mating
- Controversy over their protection
- Drawbacks to the re-opened fishery
Learn about the local resources in place to advocate for protecting Goliath Grouper.
WHEN & WHERE: PROTECTING GOLIATH GROUPER
Tune in via Zoom on Friday, August 23rd at 6 PM. Learn about current issues that impact Goliath Groupers and humans alike. Then, go diving with Goliath Grouper experts. Save your seat on the Sunday, August 25th 1:30 PM charter to see Goliath Grouper in the wild and learn about them firsthand.
Learn from prominent scientists. Become part of the discussion. We can’t wait to see you there!
Read more about Dr. Chris Malinowski and the Ocean First Institute’s Goliath Grouper conservation efforts here. Then, join the social night to learn more.
Video in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau. Shared by Chris Malinowski.
Video shared by Chris Malinowski, PhD.
