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Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
General Information | Potential Research Harvest | Catch and Release | Papers and Reports
 Walt Stearns, www.underwaterjournal.com |
More Goliath Grouper Information |
General Information
Goliath grouper is the largest of the western north Atlantic groupers. This giant can reach 800 pounds (455 kg) and over 8 feet (2 meters) in length. The Florida record is a 680-pound goliath grouper caught off Fernandina Beach in 1961. For further details on goliath grouper, go to the General Information page.
Potential Research Harvest
The FWC and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) have been discussing whether a limited scientific harvest of goliath grouper is needed to better assess the health of the population. However, at this time, there is no regulatory action pending. More details on this issue can be found at the Potential Research Harvest page.
Catching and Releasing Goliath Grouper
Goliath grouper are a prohibited species; therefore the species receives greater protection to ensure its continued health. FWC rules stipulate that harvest and possession of goliath grouper is prohibited. Goliath grouper that are caught but immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed are not harvested. Further details on this issue can be found on the Goliath Grouper Catch and Release page.
Goliath Grouper Reports and Research Papers
Goliath grouper reports and publications are available from the Papers and Reports page.