posted by Sharon Rainis on 2009/10/09
Help Us to Protect Goliath Groupers
Goliath Groupers, which were listed until 2006 as a critically endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), may soon lose their protection from fishing due to recovering population levels and pressure exerted by fisherman. Divers have long enjoyed the company of these huge, friendly fish, and if fishing Goliath Groupers becomes legal once again, population levels may fall quickly. You can help us to keep Goliath Groupers in the list of protected species by signing a petition! Read more...
Sign the Goliath Groupers Petition, requesting to continue the protection of the Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus Itajara).
Goliath Grouper have been inhabitants of Florida's reefs for millions of years and serve a vital role in the healthy functioning of the reefs. They have been listed as a critically endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and have been protected from fishing in the United States since 1990, and in the Caribbean since 1993.
Many of us are divers and have witnessed the large congregations of these amazing creatures from August to October in Palm Beach County, where they travel perhaps hundreds of miles to congregate in groups of 50 to 75 for breeding purposes. It is incredibly sad that a group of 50-75 individuals constitutes a large aggregation, but such is the state of our oceans today.
We have witnessed the curious nature of these massive creatures and watched them roll on their sides to have their bellies scratched by a diver. Fisherman and spear-fisherman wish to hunt them for sport, but we cannot see the sport in shooting an animal that willfully approaches divers.
We are extremely opposed to the removal of protected status from these gentle giants.
Feel the same?
Click Here to sign the Goliath Groupers Petition and help us to protect them
Goliath Grouper have been inhabitants of Florida's reefs for millions of years and serve a vital role in the healthy functioning of the reefs. They have been listed as a critically endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and have been protected from fishing in the United States since 1990, and in the Caribbean since 1993.
Many of us are divers and have witnessed the large congregations of these amazing creatures from August to October in Palm Beach County, where they travel perhaps hundreds of miles to congregate in groups of 50 to 75 for breeding purposes. It is incredibly sad that a group of 50-75 individuals constitutes a large aggregation, but such is the state of our oceans today.
We have witnessed the curious nature of these massive creatures and watched them roll on their sides to have their bellies scratched by a diver. Fisherman and spear-fisherman wish to hunt them for sport, but we cannot see the sport in shooting an animal that willfully approaches divers.
We are extremely opposed to the removal of protected status from these gentle giants.
Feel the same?
Click Here to sign the Goliath Groupers Petition and help us to protect them
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