[Coral-List] Goliath Grouper Fishery

[DeeVon Quirolo]

Florida Wildlife Commission is accepting comments on the Goliath Grouper
fishery.


On Thurs., 4/26, the FWC will consider whether to allow the "harvest" of
goliath grouper (jewfish) for the first time since 1990. Because they were
almost wiped off of the face of the earth, the fish are now protected in
both state and federal waters.

The summary prepared by staff is available at:
http://www.myfwc.com/media/4425749/11-SM-Goliath.pdf. The actual detailed
presentation is at: http://www.myfwc.com/
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myfwc.com%2F&h=ATM0nupSedJpN-St-333OxXRtFxowxUEvyWEiR5LAyDTuWGi5u9Nhso77ilZLUzJocSlRJlkoJC4DHtmq-vZrWaVEDfZ6DM-x8_OJ9TeXTEIHpexsDtTjthUFPY2I_24eK4>…/44…/11-GoliathGrouperPresentation.pdf.


This matter is taking the identical path taken by the black bear.
"Divers and tourist pay big money for the opportunity to see living goliath
groupers. While thousands can see a living fish, one can kill it. The only
justification given for the proposed "harvest" is that some fishermen
consider them a "nuisance" for eating their fish and trophy hunters want
the thrill and bragging rights of killing something big, and docile. Both
of these justifications have a familiar ring. Hunters objected to bears
eating the bait they put out to kill deer and turkey and their heads and
skins are desired as trophies. As a result, bears were de-listed and, in
2015, hunted. The same fate awaits the goliath, unless you and others speak
up. "

Send written comments to Commissioners at MYFWC.com


-- 
DeeVon Quirolo

www.naturecoastconservation.org

Be a nuisance when it counts. Do your part to inform and stimulate the
public to join your action. Be depressed, discouraged, & disappointed at
failure & the disheartening effects of ignorance, greed, corruption & bad
politics — but never give up.   Marjorie Stoneman Douglas