6/17/2003
The goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara - formerly known as the jewfish) was added as a candidate species to the Endangered Species List in 1991. All harvest of the goliath grouper in federal and state waters of the Gulf of Mexico is prohibited. Until stocks recover, protection will be required. Their life history characteristics (longevity, slowness to mature, aggregation spawning) make them susceptible to rapid overfishing.
In an attempt to gather more information on goliath grouper distributions throughout the Gulf of Mexico, researchers have started a tagging program. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) encourages local commercial and recreational fishers and divers to report any tagged or untagged fish to: 1-800-367-4461, e-mail ifre@bio.fsu.edu or write to Dr. Felicia Coleman, The Institute for Fishery Resource Ecology, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1100.
Anglers: If you catch a goliath grouper, do not remove tags and do not attempt to harvest it; goliath grouper are protected by law. Any fishers who come in contact with goliath grouper are asked to provide the following information: name, address, phone number, e-mail, fish’s location, depth, date seen, fish’s estimated total length, weight, tag number, and photo if possible. For more information the goliath grouper website is available at: http://www.bio.fsu.edu/ifre/ifre_research_jewfish.html.
Periodically, LDWF will receive a map of the Gulf of Mexico showing where goliath grouper are being sighted and the relative numbers. The goal is to expand tagging studies to other areas in the Gulf. The project is sponsored by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission , Florida State University, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.
EDITORS: For more information, contact Randy Pausina at 225/765-2889 (pausina_rb@wlf.state.la.us).
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