Developing release strategies for goliath

The Atlantic Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is an exceptionally large (up to 2.5 m length, 400 kg) fish with a relatively broad subtropical distribution in coastal environments (0–100 m), including the Gulf of Mexico. This species is caught (as bycatch and also targeted) in recreational fisheries of south Florida, yet most anglers lack the tools and capacity necessary to safely and effectively mitigate barotrauma. Existing commercially available descending gear is inadequate for most adult (>1 m) Goliath grouper due to their large mouths and the amount of weight necessary to submerge the entire fish. Partnering with University of Florida Sea Grant and IFAS Extension, we are evaluating release strategies to safely and effectively return these animals to depth. These efforts are being done in coordination with recreational anglers to evaluate and establish the most realistic methods and communicating those best practices to reef fish fisheries stakeholders.

Collaborators: Dr. Angela Collins (Florida Sea Grant/UF IFAS Extension), Ana Zangroniz (Florida Sea Grant/UF IFAS Extension)

Funding: Florida Sea Grant