Great Barracuda - Sphyraena barracuda

Great Barracuda - Sphyraena barracuda

February 27, 2011

Goliath grouper - threatened again?

The IUCN Red List still considers this fish as Critically Endangered. However, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering lifting a ban on taking them. Huh? Who's running the show? The scientists, the bureaucrats, or the fishermen?

There is an odd disconnect between fishermen and scientists. Fishermen are on the water every day, and make observations that aren't always considered when scientists publish their data. However, shouldn't Florida officials consider the IUCN's position before ruling on this? Just because Goliath grouper populations may be stable in Florida, this does not mean they are stable throughout their range, even if the last IUCN assessment is five years old.

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