Next week, the State of Florida will decide the goliath grouper’s fate. Since 1990, possessing or harvesting this fish has been prohibited by law.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s staff analysis indicates there is insufficient data to use detailed assessment methods, thus requiring more assumption-_base_d (rather than data-_base_d) assessments.

http://myfwc.com/docs/CommissionMeetings/2011/Feb/GoliathGrouperStock_presentation.pdf

In the required formal review of the State’s goliath grouper population assessment, the appointed independent scientific panel deemed the assessment was not suitable because of these data gaps.
2011 Goliath Grouper presentation - page 3

The Goliath Grouper study conducted by Florida State University’s Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis concluded, “The goliath grouper population remains critically endangered throughout its range, despite the bright spot of recovery in southwest Florida.” Goliath Grouper Study October 2009

As stewards of our oceans, what action do you feel the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission should take? Please take this short survey and let your voice be heard. Thank you. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YC9C9SY