Goliath Grouper - Treasure in Florida Waters

Before anyone gets upset about harassing fish, the Goliath Grouper (aka: Jewfish, "Epinephelus itajara") approached us and when I began scratching its chin the fish was chillin' & diggin it! On board was a leading defender of the conservation of this amazing creature, Dr. Sarah Frias-Torres, seen here wearing a yellow bandana.
NOTE: the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is still considering to allow a hunting season of this precious, critically endangered and presently protected species. For a short term profit on trophy fishing, a reopening of the fishery would devastate the population. By the late 1980's, Goliath Groupers were nearly extinct in Florida. They've been protected in the United States since 1990. Because the species has been fished to extinction throughout 95 % of it's Atlantic ocean habitat, Florida today is the only place in the world where Goliath Groupers can be found in any numbers as juveniles in their mangrove nursery habitat and as giant adults throughout reef and wreck sites. Fishing harvests these collossal creatures before they reach reproductive maturity.
Though still critically endangered, Goliath Groupers now offer opportunity for thrilling SCUBA sightings off east, west & Keys Florida coasts, generating a major source of revenue for local businesses from visiting SCUBA divers. Please add your voice asking to continue protection for this amazing resource.
Contact Dr. Sarah Frias-Torres
** sfriastorres-at-gmail-dot-com ** to learn how you can help.
Make your voice heard, SAVE THE GOLIATH GROUPERS !!!
Articles:
Miami Herald Article:
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/27/3022594/divers-intrigued-by-goliath-grouper.html

The full scientific article can be seen here:
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=ORX

Dr Sarah's blog;
http://grouperluna.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/guilt-free-goliath-groupers/