All around the world, the goliath grouper remains critically endangered--everywhere but Florida.

The scientists will investigate predatory behaviors and migration patterns that could be contributing to population recovery. What they learn may guide future conservation and fishery management decisions on a wide range of specific issues.

The answers will be crucial to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. They set policy on the management and conservation of the slow-moving, inquisitive giants, some of which grow to lengths of 9 feet and weights of 400 to 800 pounds.

Protecting mangrove
Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory scientist Christopher C. Koenig marine ecologist Felicia Coleman, director of the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory, have studied goliath grouper life history and behavior for nearly 18 years and published a number of papers on the species’ biology, ecology and population dynamics.

Their findings have demonstrated the importance of protecting mangrove habitat because of its critical value as nursery habitat for juvenile goliath grouper, whose nearshore survival rate affects the abundance of adults in the offshore environment.

â—„ Previous | Image of | Next â–º

-