The goliath almost died off in the 1980s from overfishing and pollution and is not allowed to be caught in any other state or federal waters.
The fish is a favorite of underwater photographers for its docile demeanor and mammoth size adults typically weigh 400 pounds (180 kilograms) but can exceed 800 (360 kilograms). While the species population is unknown, state officials believe it has grown enough to allow the limited catch.
“Goliath is a recovering stock, becoming more abundant in parts of Florida, especially on artificial reefs,” the commission staff wrote in its recommendation.
That s a contention disputed by those who oppose lifting the fishing ban. They point to major die-offs over the past decade from cold weather and other causes.
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Florida weighs limited harvest of once-endangered goliath grouper
The goliath almost died off in the 1980s from overfishing and pollution and is not allowed to be caught in any state or federal waters.
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Florida may lift its three-decade ban on catching and killing goliath groupers, like this one swimming at Mote Aquarium in Sarasota. [ CONOR GOULDING | AP ]
Updated 48 minutes ago
FORT LAUDERDALE â Florida may lift its three-decade ban on catching and killing goliath grouper. Wildlife officials say the coastal fishâs numbers have recovered sufficiently from near-extinction to allow a limited harvest, but the proposal is strongly opposed by environmentalists who say it is still at risk.
Florida may allow limited harvest of goliath grouper
Posted May 09, 2021
In this Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 photo, released by the Mote Marine Laboratory, a Goliath Grouper swims at Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Fla. Florida may lift its three-decade ban on catching and killing goliath groupers. Wildlife officials are proposing, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, a “limited harvest” of the giant coastal fish, saying their numbers have rebounded sufficiently since they were almost driven to extinction by overfishing and environmental damage. (Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory via AP)AP
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By TERRY SPENCER Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) Florida may lift its three-decade ban on catching and killing goliath grouper. Wildlife officials say the coastal fish’s numbers have recovered sufficiently from near-extinction to allow a limited harvest, but the proposal is strongly opposed by environmentalists who say it is still at risk.