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.
While still listed as critically endangered, large groups of goliath groupers are spotted during the summer months in Palm Beach county. This is the time in which they congregate for their annual spawning. A false sense of their numbers could be attained by only observing these once-a-year aggregations.
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 9th, 2013 to raise awareness for 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.
A Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) team member, 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), what we all can do to protect goliath grouper populations world wide, and the REEF fish count projects.
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 Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). 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
8:00 – 8:30 Q & A and 50/50 cash drawing
Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 7th, 2013
(561) 840-8750
info.pvd@puravidadivers.co
Pura Vida Divers will be conducting a 2 tank dive on Sunday, August 11th at 8:30am to search for Goliath groupers and the behaviors discussed during our social night. For more information please visit: https://www.puravidadivers.com/2-tank-goliath-grouper-dive-aboard-sirena
For more information about The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) please visit: http://www.reef.org
