Goliath Grouper

ABSTRACT: Sustainable fisheries management is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term
food security. This study employs three mathematical models—the Logistic Growth Model, Lotka-Volterra PredatorPrey Model, and SIR Model to analyze fish production trends and population dynamics in Tamil Nadu using a dataset
of 5,000 samples. The dataset encompasses marine and inland fish production statistics across multiple years. The
Logistic Growth Model predicts stabilization in fish production at 862,368.10 metric tons, reflecting the natural
carrying capacity. The Lotka-Volterra model indicates ecological imbalance, with the prey population declining to zero
while predators increase to 4,343.46 metric tons, emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention. The SIR model for
fisheries management reveals that 27% of the fish stock remains sustainable, while 72% recovers from overfishing,
highlighting the significance of conservation measures. Visualization techniques, including time-series plots and phase
diagrams, effectively illustrate fish population dynamics and the consequences of overfishing. These models offer
valuable insights for policymakers to enhance fishery sustainability strategies, ensuring a balanced and resilient aquatic
ecosystem.

RESUMO: O turismo marítimo, especialmente a observação de baleias, tem se destacado no âmbito do Ecoturismo, oferecendo não apenas sensibilização ambiental, mas também um significativo impacto econômico. Estima-se que 14 milhões de pessoas participem dessa atividade anualmente, com vendas globais gerando bilhões de dólares. No Brasil, a Praia do Forte se tornou um destino relevante para essa atividade. Este estudo visa estimar o impacto econômico do turismo de observação de baleias na região da Praia do Forte na Bahia. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Praia do Forte, localizada no município de Mata de São João, durante a temporada de observação de baleias de julho a outubro de 2023. Um total de 128 questionários foram aplicados, excluindo 11 por dados incompletos. A análise baseou-se no modelo Money Generation Model (MGM2), adaptado para a realidade brasileira, utilizando a Matriz Insumo-Produto (MIP). O turismo de observação de baleias atraiu aproximadamente três mil visitantes em 2023, com um gasto médio diário de R$ 841,73 por pessoa. O impacto econômico direto foi estimado em R$ 4,4 milhões, aumentando para R$ 9,3 milhões ao considerar o efeito multiplicador na economia local. A atividade gerou entre 85 a 122 empregos diretos e contribuiu com R$ 416 mil a R$ 816 mil em impostos indiretos. O turismo de observação de baleias na Praia do Forte demonstra um forte potencial econômico e social, promovendo desenvolvimento sustentável e conservação ambiental. A disposição dos turistas em contribuir para a conservação das baleias reflete um aspecto positivo adicional, indicando oportunidades para reforçar mensagens de preservação dos cetáceos e ambientes marinhos. O estudo oferece insights para estratégias de marketing e sustentabilidade, impulsionando o setor turístico regional.

O turismo é uma atividade de importância fundamental para as nações que possuem em suas regiões costeiras, ambientes recifais. No entanto, nos dias atuais, da forma como ele está sendo planejado e implantado vem gerando impactos negativos para o ambiente e não terá sustentabilidade a longo prazo. O presente artigo teve como objetivo discutir a relação do turismo com os ambientes recifais, enfatizando os usos atuais, os impactos gerados e as medidas de manejo propostas para minimização destes impactos.

O Parque Marinho Boa Viagem, situado ao longo da costa de Salvador, Bahia, entre a Praia da Cantagalo e a Ponta do Humaitá, é uma proposta de unidade de conservação marinha que visa proteger um sistema vital de recifes de corais. Esta região é reconhecida por sua importância ecológica, abrigando uma rica biodiversidade marinha, incluindo várias espécies endêmicas de peixes, crustáceos, moluscos e corais. A área é um hotspot de biodiversidade, oferecendo habitat para espécies comercialmente importantes e desempenhando um papel crucial na manutenção do equilíbrio ecológico local.

A criação do parque marinho é fundamentada em estudos científicos que destacam a vulnerabilidade dos recifes de corais a atividades humanas, como a pesca predatória, o turismo desordenado e a poluição. Estudos de Costa e Freitas (2017) demonstram que a proteção legal dessas áreas contribui significativamente para a regeneração dos recifes e a conservação da biodiversidade marinha. Além disso, a Constituição Federal do Brasil, em seu Art. 225, reforça o direito ao meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado, impondo ao Poder Público e à coletividade o dever de defendê-lo e preservá-lo para as presentes e futuras gerações.

A área marinha protegida não só contribuirá para a conservação ambiental, mas também promoverá benefícios econômicos significativos. A proteção dos recifes de corais aumentará a atratividade turística, gerando emprego e renda para as comunidades locais e promovendo o ecoturismo. Estudos de Pereira e Rodrigues (2018) revelam que a criação de áreas marinhas protegidas pode fomentar o turismo sustentável e garantir a subsistência dos pescadores locais a longo prazo.

O envolvimento das comunidades locais no processo de criação e gestão do Parque Marinho Boa Viagem é essencial. Programas de educação ambiental e capacitação para a gestão sustentável dos recursos naturais são fundamentais para garantir o sucesso da unidade de conservação. A participação ativa da comunidade fortalece a governança ambiental e promove a conservação dos recursos marinhos, conforme destacado por Oliveira e Silva (2016).

Em suma, a criação do Parque Marinho Boa Viagem representa um passo significativo na proteção e gestão sustentável dos recursos marinhos de Salvador, Bahia, oferecendo benefícios ecológicos, econômicos e sociais duradouros para a região.

Os arquipelagos de Fernando de Noronha (Brasil) e Acores (Portugal) sao lugares singulares do ponto de vista geologico, pois apresentam importantes evidencias de parte da historia geologica das ilhas oceânicas de origem vulcânica. Com o surgimento dos geoparks, novas perspectivas sobre a sustentabilidade e o patrimonio geologico passaram a ser consideradas, o que trouxe beneficios para as comunidades locais e para o meio ambiente. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi apresentar acoes de sustentabilidade passiveis de serem aplicadas nos arquipelagos de Fernando de Noronha e dos Acores. Deste modo, conclui-se que acoes especificas no âmbito da protecao da geodiversidade e do patrimonio geologico, como o incentivo a criacao de novos produtos, a promocao de cursos e eventos, bem como o desenvolvimento de projetos de educacao e sensibilizacao podem contribuir com a sustentabilidade destes destinos insulares.

In early 2006, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service removed goliath grouper from its list of species of concern. It cited a recent status report that showed a significant increase in the abundance of the USA population and suggested that goliath grouper are re-establishing themselves throughout their historic range. However, under the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation Act, the goliath grouper remains 'overfished,' and harvest is still illegal. The historical center of abundance of goliath grouper is the Ten Thousand Islands area of southwest Florida. Detailed catch and effort data are available from this region for 1973 to 2006. The data were collected by Everglades National Park (ENP) officials during voluntary dockside interviews of sport fishermen. Using this data, a standardized index of abundance was created for juvenile goliath grouper. The index shows a substantial decline in abundance during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since that time, the abundance of juveniles within ENP has increased considerably, suggesting that strong year classes have recently occurred in ENP. This information is useful for managers and stock assessment biologists tasked to evaluate the stock status of goliath grouper, and to determine acceptable harvest levels for scientific research and/or fishing.

An emerging ulcerative skin disease in invasive lionfish in Florida and Caribbean Sea is being tracked. Diseased lionfish were first reported in summer 2017 from the northern Gulf of Mexico with additional reports in 2018. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,  University of Florida, and other fish health scientists are investigating this disease, but initial evaluations have not yet identified a cause.  More advanced diagnostics are underway to better understand the factors causing this disease/syndrome and its potential to spread to other species. Researchers are also examining the lethal and chronic effects of this disease on individual fish, as well as its effect on lionfish populations, the lionfish fishery, and reef fish communities. Researchers and Extension Personnel (IFAS/SeaGrant) are asking stakeholders to report and document any ulcerated or otherwise diseased lionfish in FL and the Caribbean.

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara, a large indigenous tropical reef fish, approached local extinction in U. S. waters by the 1980s as a result of intense fishing pressure. In 1990, federal and state laws intervened to protect this species. The resulting fishery closure, over the intervening years, allowed limited, slow population recovery in Florida waters while populations outside of the United States remained vulnerable (IUCN 2019). The closure led to the blossoming of a dive ecotourism industry catering to local and international divers seeking opportunities to see and photograph these enormous fish. This fundamentally changes the paradigm for Goliath Grouper from a fishery resource to a non‐extractive resource with a commercial value vastly greater than that gained through fishing. While federal and state agencies attempted to re‐establish the fishery, all three stock assessments were rejected. Here, we discuss Goliath Grouper's biology, the controversy surrou...

Currently, there is a conflict between the need to conserve protected fish species and the need to use lethal methods to collect essential biological data, such as age, to assess their population status and recovery trends. We evaluated the precision and accuracy of a non-lethal ageing method for goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara, listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Paired finray and otolith samples (n = 21) were collected opportunistically from fish that had died primarily from red tide or hypothermal events in Florida coastal waters. Finray ageing proved relatively precise (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.24%), although less so than otolith ageing (CV = 1.45%). Finray ages agreed with otolith ages the majority of the time (CV = 3.15% and concordance correlation coefficient = 0.991) for E. itajara from 0 to 18 yr of age. Based on a test of symmetry, finray ageing was also relatively unbiased for fish up to 18 yr of age. Further evaluation of any limitations of the method will depend on obtaining more samples, especially from larger, presumably older, fish. Clearly, the non-lethal finray ageing method can be used as an alternative to using otoliths for goliath grouper at least up to 18 yr of age. Finray ageing could significantly reduce the need to sacrifice protected E. itajara to assess their population recovery.

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and the Pacific red lionfish (Pterois miles, family Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Lagocephalus sceleratus has spread throughout this entire sea with the highest concentrations in the eastern basin, while more recently, Pterois miles has spread from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Their effects on local biodiversity and fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators of these two species from their native Indo-Pacific and invaded Mediterranean and Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators of Tetraodontidae in general were reviewed for their native Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic ranges, as no records were found specifically for L. sceleratus in its native range. Tetraodontidae predators in their native ranges included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish (Synodus spp.), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvi...

Sawfishes are considered one of the most endangered families of fishes in the world. Their diadromous ecology and vulnerability to fishing nets have brought most populations to the brink of collapse. Conservation of the surviving populations is hindered by the paucity of historic and contemporary catch and observational records, and assessments of suitable coastal and riverine habitats. Colombia and Panama are two of 14 countries considered as a high priority for the development of species-specific national legal protection of the critically endangered largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis). To construct a baseline for the temporal and spatial distribution of the largetooth sawfish in Colombia and Panama, we collected historical records from museum databases and from literature over the past century, analysed available small-scale fisheries landings databases, and conducted interviews with fish workers in 38 locations across both countries. We found 257 records of sawfish occurrences ...

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and the Pacific red lionfish (Pterois miles, family Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Lagocephalus sceleratus has spread throughout this entire sea with the highest concentrations in the eastern basin, while more recently, Pterois miles has spread from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Their effects on local biodiversity and fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators of these two species from their native Indo-Pacific and invaded Mediterranean and Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators of Tetraodontidae in general were reviewed for their native Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic ranges, as no records were found specifically for L. sceleratus in its native range. Tetraodontidae predators in their native ranges included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish (Synodus spp.), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvi...

Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct commentary and opinion that addresses important areas in fish and fisheries science. Ghoti contributions will be innovative and have a perspective that may lead to fresh and productive insight of concepts, issues and research agendas. All Ghoti contributions will be selected by the editors and peer reviewed. Etymology of Ghoti George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), polymath, playwright, Nobel prize winner, and the most prolific letter writer in history, was an advocate of English spelling reform. He was reportedly fond of pointing out its absurdities by proving that 'fish' could be spelt 'ghoti'. That is 'gh' as in 'rough', 'o' as in 'women' and 'ti' as in palatial.

Sawfishes are the most globally threatened group of sharks, rays, and chimaeras. One of the 5 sawfish species is the Critically Endangered smalltooth sawfish Pristis pectinata. Although it is currently found in only a small portion of its historical range, this species was once distributed along tropical and subtropical coasts on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Its historical distribution included the Southwest Atlantic in Brazil and Argentina, with its presence in Uruguay assumed from its occurrence in neighboring countries. However, occurrence records in this region have only been compiled for Brazil. The aim of this study was to characterize the occurrence of P. pectinata in the Argentinean−Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (AUCFZ). Quantitative sampling data revealed no sawfish specimens during 150 bottom trawl cruises and 8490 hauls (1905 in winter; 1647 in fall; 3141 in spring; 1797 in summer months) in the AUCFZ between 1981 and 2015. Nevertheless, qualitative data based on interviews (N = 275; researchers, fishing companies, fishermen, and recreational anglers) supports the occasional presence of sawfish in the AUCFZ. Five new oral reports were obtained and, although these records lack reference material, they have an associated capture year: 2 records from the 1950s, 1 record from the 1990s, and 2 records from the 2010s. Two of these records are the first for Uruguay and were reported by experienced fishermen. We conclude that the species was always a vagrant to the region, and suggest that the view of P. pectinata as extirpated from Uruguay and northern Argentina should be revisited.

Reliable data on Atlantic Goliath Grouper abundance are prerequisite to informed management decisions, particularly as the State of Florida reopened a limited harvest on the species in 2023 after a 32-year moratorium. Limited data exist for this purpose and fisheries data have been unavailable for over three decades due to a fishery closure that began in 1990. The purpose of this study was to compare absolute abundance estimates of Goliath Grouper between two years using an efficient, cost-effective method developed by Koenig. An underwater tagging method was used to collect mark and resight data for use in a Peterson deterministic model. These data were collected at the same spawning aggregation sites off Jupiter, Florida near the time of the new moon in September 2013 and August 2022. We found that Goliath Grouper abundance had declined at all but one of six sites since 2013. Because data were not collected during the intervening years, interannual variability is unknown. However,...

Reliable data on Atlantic Goliath Grouper abundance are prerequisite to informed management decisions, particularly as the State of Florida reopened a limited harvest on the species in 2023 after a 32-year moratorium. Limited data exist for this purpose and fisheries data have been unavailable for over three decades due to a fishery closure that began in 1990. The purpose of this study was to compare absolute abundance estimates of Goliath Grouper between two years using an efficient, cost-effective method developed by Koenig. An underwater tagging method was used to collect mark and resight data for use in a Peterson deterministic model. These data were collected at the same spawning aggregation sites off Jupiter, Florida near the time of the new moon in September 2013 and August 2022. We found that Goliath Grouper abundance had declined at all but one of six sites since 2013. Because data were not collected during the intervening years, interannual variability is unknown. However,...

Cansada de não ter tempo, ela viajou no tempo, criou o tele transporte e parou os relógios... Aí, ela pegou sua família, amigos, bichos e plantas e se mudou para uma vila na beira da praia e de costas para uma cachoeira enorme... Lá tinha água e comida boa sem fim. Aí, ela vivia da Terra e para Terra... Aí o tempo parou... E nesse segundo de devaneio... Ela entendeu o motivo de estar aqui. Janaina Freitas C. (A escritora de histórias fantásticas, quando tem tempo) "Prefiro faláas coisa certa com as palavra errada a faláas coisa errada com as palavra certa." Patativa do Assaré viii AGRADECIMENTOS Essa tese foi construída por mais de mil mãos... Como vou agradecer esse povo todo? Como agradecer um copo de água quando você tá com muita sede? Um ajuda sincera que veio na hora certa e de todo coração? Como agradecer um ombro amigo? Uma noite em claro de ouvidos atentos? Ou um email respondido com amor e cheio de nomes de peixinhos novos? Como agradecer horas de trabalho de campo dentro d'água? Ou uma mão que te ajuda a subir no barco? Ou a ajuda para que crianças tenham uma experiência única de visitar o fundo do mar? Como agradecer um almoço feito com tanto amor? Um café? Uma tapioca? (A melhor tapioca do mundo!) Como agradecer um sorriso? Um abraço? Um beijo? Um colo? Como agradecer os milhões de incentivos? As preces? As intenções? As boas ações, bons pensamentos e boas energias? Como é que eu vou agradecer por uma cama tão gostosa, com lençóis limpos e uma toalha cheirando a sol? Sei não! Muito obrigada!!! Muito mesmo! Que toda a luz e amor do mundo chegue a cada um de vocês. Que toda a gratidão que me habita chegue em você, e que você possa senti-la, e que isso se transforme em amor! Que você brilhe e irradie o amor... que o amor se propague! Peço desculpas com quem faltei... principalmente ao Théo, a Lua e aos meus mestres/alunos. Peço desculpas pela minha presença que por vezes se fez ausente, vagando pelo mundo de resultados e discussões e introduções... principalmente ao Bruno. Peço desculpas a mim mesma... por ultrapassar meus limites físicos e mentais tantas vezes... por me perder tantas e tantas vezes! Eu me perdoo e espero que vocês também possam me perdoar! Minha família, obrigada! Maria Lúcia, minha mãe mais linda que a Xuxa (um milhão de vezes). Bruno César, meu companheiro de jornada materna. Théo e Lua, meus filhos... que lindo encontro o nosso. Helena, Juliana e Bartira, minhas irmãs inspiradoras. Juliana, obrigada por milhares de correções que permitiram uma incrível melhora nesse trabalho. Lilith Bia, Francisco, Moises, Ester e Raul, meus sobrinhos e afilhado que tanto amo. ix Filipe, meu cunhado, amigo e compadre. Nazaré, Samara e Orlando, minha tia/mãe, minha prima e meu tio... que bom têlos por perto! Mucio, Andréia e Juninho, meu sogro, sua esposa e cunhado, pelo apoio incondicional. Akito, Dico, Aida, D. Vera, Alan e Haroldo. Akito, meu padrinho e incentivador, você e sua família me ajudaram muito a concluir essa etapa. Serei para sempre grata! Lucas, Neto, Telma e Paru, meus primos e tios, pela estadia entre os traslados Macapá-Natal.

The Atlantic goliath grouperEpinephelus itajarais highly vulnerable to overfishing, yet little is known of its population status in Campeche Bank (southern Gulf of Mexico) and the Mexican Caribbean. By reviewing landings records, historical literature, and the local ecological knowledge of fishers, we documented historical practices, uses, and changes in the abundance and distribution of the goliath grouper in these regions. In both the Mexican Caribbean and Campeche Bank, goliath grouper populations were notably impacted by commercial fishing activities in the 1970s and 1980s. The catches during this period could only be sustained for a few years, after which the fishery collapsed. Our results from Campeche Bank indicate that populations persist in an area currently occupied by oil platforms. In the Mexican Caribbean, the extirpation of the goliath grouper may be close at hand, with local exceptions like that of Chetumal Bay. The results of our study indicate that the local goliath...

Este capítulo de revisão examina criticamente a complexa relação entre turismo e biodiversidade. O estudo aplica uma metodologia de revisão sistemática para analisar de forma abrangente a literatura disponível, a partir de bases de dados acadêmicas. A análise revela que o turismo, muitas vezes considerado um fator prejudicial à biodiversidade, também pode oferecer benefícios potenciais se administrado adequadamente. Embora o turismo não regulamentado possa levar à destruição de habitats, poluição e uso excessivo de recursos, os impactos positivos incluem contribuições para esforços de conservação, financiamento para preservação e maior conscientização global sobre a importância da biodiversidade. Exemplos, como a conservação das Ilhas Galápagos financiada por receitas geradas pelo turismo, e o fechamento da Baía Maya da Tailândia devido ao turismo excessivo, retratam a natureza dicotômica dessa relação. Esses resultados implicam que as práticas de turismo sustentável podem levar a uma maior conservação da biodiversidade e destacam a necessidade de uma formulação de políticas públicas que concilie o desenvolvimento do turismo e a preservação da biodiversidade.

Reversing the trend: management successes and failures 11 Interpretation of IUCN criteria 13 Conclusions and future directions 14 Research actions 14 Management actions 14 Reassessment of species 15 Regional assessment of species 15 Concluding remarks 15 Acknowledgements 16 References 16

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822) occurs on both sides of the Atlantic, from the Carolinas (USA) to Brazil in the western Atlantic and historically from North Senegal to North Angola off of West Africa in the eastern Atlantic. While there are relatively good data on their distribution in the western Atlantic, confirmed occurrences, population status, fishing reports, and trade data are almost non-existent for West Africa. Part of the problem is that tropical West African countries largely lack the wherewithal to fund the research needed to evaluate this species, nor do they have laws, management plans, or viable enforcement measures that might lead to effective population recovery or protection for essential juvenile mangrove habitats. Given the lack of published studies on this species in West Africa, the primary objectives of this paper are (1) to describe all known historical and current anecdotal information available on this species and (2) t...

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822) occurs on both sides of the Atlantic, from the Carolinas (USA) to Brazil in the western Atlantic and historically from North Senegal to North Angola off of West Africa in the eastern Atlantic. While there are relatively good data on their distribution in the western Atlantic, confirmed occurrences, population status, fishing reports, and trade data are almost non-existent for West Africa. Part of the problem is that tropical West African countries largely lack the wherewithal to fund the research needed to evaluate this species, nor do they have laws, management plans, or viable enforcement measures that might lead to effective population recovery or protection for essential juvenile mangrove habitats. Given the lack of published studies on this species in West Africa, the primary objectives of this paper are (1) to describe all known historical and current anecdotal information available on this species and (2) t...

The Atlantic goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara , is a critically endangered species, threatened by illegal fishing and the destruction of its habitats. A number of other closely related grouper species found in the western Atlantic are also fished intensively. While some countries apply rigorous legislation, illegal harvesting followed by the falsification of fish products, which impedes the correct identification of the species, is a common practice, allowing the catch to be marketed as a different grouper species. In this case, molecular techniques represent an important tool for the monitoring and regulation of fishery practices, and are essential for the forensic identification of a number of different species. In the present study, species-specific primers were developed for the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I gene, which were applied in a multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of nine different species of Epinephelidae: Epinephelus itajara , E. quinquefasciatus , E....

The value of marine reserves to protect threatened and vulnerable species, such as the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), is often uncertain because of a lack of knowledge about their ecology and habitat utilisation. To address this issue, a Wireless Communication System for location-based positioning of fish tagged with coded acoustic transmitters was installed to determine site fidelity of juvenile dusky

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and the Pacific red lionfish (Pterois miles, family Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Lagocephalus sceleratus has spread throughout this entire sea with the highest concentrations in the eastern basin, while more recently, Pterois miles has spread from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Their effects on local biodiversity and fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators of these two species from their native Indo-Pacific and invaded Mediterranean and Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators of Tetraodontidae in general were reviewed for their native Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic ranges, as no records were found specifically for L. sceleratus in its native range. Tetraodontidae predators in their native ranges included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish (Synodus spp.), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvi...

Ghoti aims to serve as a forum for stimulating and pertinent ideas. Ghoti publishes succinct commentary and opinion that addresses important areas in fish and fisheries science. Ghoti contributions will be innovative and have a perspective that may lead to fresh and productive insight of concepts, issues and research agendas. All Ghoti contributions will be selected by the editors and peer reviewed. Etymology of Ghoti George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950), polymath, playwright, Nobel prize winner, and the most prolific letter writer in history, was an advocate of English spelling reform. He was reportedly fond of pointing out its absurdities by proving that 'fish' could be spelt 'ghoti'. That is 'gh' as in 'rough', 'o' as in 'women' and 'ti' as in palatial.

An old stuffed specimen of the giant grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus (Bloch, 1790) (2000 mm TL), was recovered during the relocation of the artefacts of the Basrah Natural History Museum, University of Basrah, Iraq recently. The specimen was collected 44 years ago in 1974 by a gillnet in the Shatt al-Arab Estuary, Basrah, Iraq. So far, this species is known to have no records from the Persian Gulf area. The present report is important in recording E. lanceolatus from the estuary of the Shatt al-Arab River and is considered new for both the Iraqi and the Persian Gulf waters. Our finding brings to light an amazing example of invasion lag.

We evaluated Atlantic Goliath Groupers, Epinephelus itajara, in their nursery habitats via microchemical analyses of fin rays. Juveniles were sampled from known nursery habitats off southwest Florida, and adults were primarily sampled from a spawning aggregation off southeast, Florida. We collected fin rays using a non-lethal technique that is minimally invasive with no known negative effects on growth or survival. Trace metal constituents in the fin rays were quantified with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer via laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS). Two spatial scales were quantified to test the limitations of grouping individuals based on elemental compositions. On a small spatial scale (i.e., 100s of m), individuals were correctly classified within individual watersheds 64% of the time. On a larger spatial scale (i.e., 10s-100s of km), juveniles were classified with 100% accuracy. Trace metals in adults were analyzed by back-tracking across fin ray annuli to a year in which our previous studies have shown these adults occupied their juvenile habitats (i.e., 2006). These fish were grouped using a measure of dissimilarity and then analyzed to test whether we could reclassify them into these same groupings based solely on the chemical components in their fin rays, which was done with over 84% accuracy. Although juvenile habitats of the adults could not be determined due to the lack of baseline data, classifications were driven by similar elements to those that drove the classification of juveniles, suggesting similar physiological mechanisms. The results highlight the importance of spatial scale for interpreting microchemical analyses on calcified structures in fishes. Keywords Fin ray chemistry. Ten Thousand Islands. Natural tags. Nursery of origin. Trace element analysis. Chemical fingerprints * Orian E. Tzadik

In this study, seasonal numerical abundance of the critically endangered Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara was estimated by conducting scuba dive surveys and calculating sightings-per-unit-effort (SPUE) at three sites in southern Brazil. Seasonal differences in size and reproductive condition of captured or confiscated specimens were compared. The SPUE differed significantly with season, increasing in late spring and peaking during the austral summer months. A significant effect was observed in the number of fish relative to the lunar cycle. All females sampled during the summer were spawning capable, while all those sampled during other seasons were either regressing or regenerating. What these data strongly infer is that the E. itajara spawning aggregation sites have been located in the southern state of Paraná and the northern state of Santa Catarina and summer is the most likely spawning season. Size frequency distributions, abundance and reproductive state were estim...

The ecology, particularly the trophic ecology, of the Critically Endangered goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein 1822) in French Guiana (France) is relatively unknown. Such information would provide a better understanding of the role that goliath groupers play in the marine ecosystem of French Guiana. This study focused on the feeding ecology of the goliath grouper through stomach-content and stable-isotope analyses of captured specimens. The dietary composition of goliath groupers in French Guiana was similar to that of goliath groupers from other areas of the species' range. However, in French Guiana, goliath groupers exhibited an ontogenetic shift in diet that has not been demonstrated elsewhere. Crustaceans, primarily crabs, were dominant in the diet of smaller individuals (<120 cm), whereas demersal fishes, particularly catfish (Siluriformes), dominated the diet of larger individuals. Analysis of δ 13 C and δ 15 N in muscle samples indicated that: (1) larger fish fed more on higher trophic levels; (2) low seasonal and spatial variation existed in the diet; and (3) an apparent migration of early juveniles occurred from mangrove areas to rocky reefs. In French Guiana, adult and juvenile goliath groupers share marine rocky habitat, and the data suggest they may avoid food competition by a shift in diet with size.

Reef fishes across the globe are threatened by human exploitation as well as the adverse effects of pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Many species are fished almost out of existence. One such species is the goliath grouper, Epinephelus ...

Realizou-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de identificar a percepção ambiental de mergulhadores autônomos sobre os impactos do mergulho na ecologia marinha. Portanto, desenvolveu-se estudo de natureza qualitativa cujos dados foram obtidos através de roteiro de entrevista com 10 mergulhadores com certificação PADI que atuam em Maracajaú e Natal, no litoral do Rio Grande do Norte (Brasil). As percepções foram categorizadas conforme a proposta de análise temática de Bardin (1979). Em conclusão, a percepção dos mergulhadores revelou que a preservação do meio marinho demanda ações governamentais urgentes. O mergulho recreativo deve ser controlado sob a perspectiva do turismo ecológico sustentável. A Educação Ambiental deve ser prioritária e contínua.

Background. The goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822), is the largest Atlantic grouper. It has been the first marine fish subjected to a fishing moratorium in Brazil (since 2002). The aim of this study was to investigate basic biological aspects, particularly the diet and reproduction of this endangered species. We believe that our results, together with information already available in the literature, may be a foundation for new management and conservation strategies for this grouper in Brazil. Materials and methods. Specimens were obtained from an artisanal fish landings collaborative monitoring program in the cities of Caravelas and Alcobaça, Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil. Because of the fishing moratorium, we relied on sporadic incidental captures from fishermen or donation from the law enforcement agencies. Diet and reproduction of the goliath grouper was evaluated based on 34 specimens obtained between May 2005 and September 2010. Results. Body size of 32 females ranged from 27.4 to 150.0 cm total length (TL) (mean 87.4 ± SD 34.8), while size of 2 males were 97.0 and 115.0 cm TL. Of these, 16 specimens (47%) were juveniles. Sex ratio was estimated as 1 : 16 (males to females). Two developing females were recorded, one obtained in February 2006 and another in January 2007. The length of first maturation (L 50) for females was estimated at 105.64 cm and the length where 100% of individuals are mature (L 100) at 126.0 cm TL. A total of 34 stomachs were analyzed, six of them were empty. Teleosts and decapods dominated the diet. The major food items of mangrove-associated fish were decapods Callinectes sp., while the coral reef-associated fish ingested mainly the boxfish Acanthostracion sp. The most important item for juveniles was Callinectes sp., while Acanthostracion sp. was the most important item for adults. Conclusion. We suggest that the goliath grouper moratorium in Brazil should be maintained for a relatively long time frame-more than four decades.

Industrial trawling fisheries bycatch are diverse and abundant, catching a significant species richness. Inside captured endangered species like goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara . Five specimens were captured with bottom twin trawls, by shrimps industrial vessels, in Amazon continental shelf. Considering the novelty of the registry, the data reinforce the need for actions that minimize the catches of goliath grouper judges for their bioecological characteristics that classify it as critically endangered. Keywords: Goliath grouper; industrial fishery; by catch; conservation status.

This study determined the movements of a Giant Grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, in which an acoustic tag was surgically implanted and monitored by an array of six VR2W acoustic receiver units from August 2010 to January 2013 in the remote, uninhabited Chesterfield Islands, Coral Sea (800 km West of New Caledonia). Our data revealed a home reef area (residency rate of 44.9%) with an increased activity revealed by movements at dawn and dusk toward and between two adjacent reef passages, probably for foraging. The fish was absent from its resident reef between October and December 2010 and 2012, corresponding to the time known for spawning aggregations of this species in New Caledonia. A skipped spawning seems to have occurred in 2011. We hope these data will be complemented in the future by locating the spawning site or sites and thus provide adequate conservation measures. The Coral Sea links two World Heritage Sites, the Australian Great Barrier Reefs and the New Caledonian coral reefs. It would be fitting to create a Marine Protected Area for the Chesterfield Islands between these two major conservation areas of the sea.

Sound production by goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara was characterized on 2 aggregation sites in the Gulf of Mexico off the southwest coast of Florida, which are likely to be spawning sites, based on the presence of fish with ripe gonads. Goliath grouper produced predominately lowfrequency single-pulse sounds with dominant frequencies around 60 Hz. Long-term acoustic recordings documented that sounds were most frequently produced between 01:00 and 03:00 h. Sound production had a lunar periodicity, with reduced levels occurring for several days around the full moon. A single goliath grouper was implanted with an acoustic telemetry transmitter that indicated the depth of the fish. This fish remained on the aggregation site for all but 1 d of the 2 mo record and was located near the bottom (46 m) for the majority of the time. Several forays to shallower depths were detected, most of which occurred near midnight and 03:00 h. These short-duration shallow-water forays could possibly indicate spawning ascents. The combination of passive acoustics and active acoustic telemetry indicates that efforts to document spawning should be concentrated around midnight. The prolific sound production of goliath grouper will allow large spatial and temporal scale mapping and monitoring of aggregation sites.

A prática de afundar estruturas no ambiente marinho para a criação de recifes artificiais é bastante antiga e vem sendo realizada ao redor do mundo com o intuito de enriquecer estoques pesqueiros e de outros organismos, conseqüentemente, beneficiar atividades de lazer e pesca. O estado de Pernambuco é conhecido nacionalmente pelo grande número de naufrágios em sua costa (cerca de 200). Para a região, a importância desses recifes artificiais abrange tanto a questão ambiental (incremento de biomassa) como socioeconômica (alavanca a indústria do turismo subaquático e sustenta pequenas comunidades pesqueiras tradicionais). Em 2001, com a sanção do Decreto Estadual nº.23.394, proibindo a pesca nos arredores dos naufrágios, foi criado um conflito entre os usuários desses naufrágios (mergulhadores contemplativos e pescadores artesanais); esses últimos que já há bastante tempo se utilizavam dos naufrágios como pontos de pesca. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivando estudar as interações entre esses dois grupos enfocando as políticas ambientais sobre o assunto. Foram entrevistados 53 mergulhadores em operadoras de mergulho e 41 pescadores em duas comunidades pesqueiras da Região Metropolitana do Recife. Os resultados evidenciaram o conflito de interesses entre os grupos, indo de encontro com o objetivo principal do Decreto de proteger e preservar os naufrágios. Por parte dos pescadores, mesmo com a proibição regulamentada, esses continuam praticando a pesca nos naufrágios; e os mergulhadores, embora livres para usufruir dos recifes artificiais, uma parcela significativa, ainda demonstra carecer de uma conscientização ambiental e de um ordenamento quanto à visitação das áreas.

In the southeastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Atlantic Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis are increasingly targeted by recreational anglers, indicating that stock status should be assessed. A critical need for such assessments is age-specific data; however, previous studies have drawn conflicting conclusions regarding the most appropriate structure for aging. Moreover, growth parameters and mortality rates for GOM Atlantic Tripletail are unknown. Therefore, the goals of this study were to (1) evaluate sagittal otoliths and first dorsal spines as aging structures; (2) model combined and sex-specific growth; and (3) estimate mortality rates for GOM Atlantic Tripletail. From 2012 to 2019, Atlantic Tripletail (N = 230, including a near-record-size specimen) were collected from the north-central GOM via hook and line and were aged using otoliths and first dorsal spines. Total length ranged from 212 to 940 mm, and age ranged from 0.07 to 5.27 years. Otoliths produced higher percent agreement (95.0%) and lower average percent error (3.0%) between readers compared to spines (82.9% and 6.5%, respectively). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters differed slightly between the otolith-based data (mean asymptotic length [L ∞ ] = 762.42 mm, Brody growth rate coefficient [k] = 0.69 year −1 , and hypothetical age at which length equals zero [t 0 ] = −0.58 year) and spine-based data (L ∞ = 718.83 mm, k = 0.79 year −1 , and t 0 = −0.56 year). For both otolith-and spine-based sex-specific data, the best-fitting version of the von Bertalanffy growth function permitted L ∞ to vary by sex. Chapman-Robson estimates of instantaneous total mortality rate and total annual mortality rate were 1.15 and 68.66%,

Background. The goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822), is the largest Atlantic grouper. It has been the first marine fish subjected to a fishing moratorium in Brazil (since 2002). The aim of this study was to investigate basic biological aspects, particularly the diet and reproduction of this endangered species. We believe that our results, together with information already available in the literature, may be a foundation for new management and conservation strategies for this grouper in Brazil. Materials and methods. Specimens were obtained from an artisanal fish landings collaborative monitoring program in the cities of Caravelas and Alcobaça, Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil. Because of the fishing moratorium, we relied on sporadic incidental captures from fishermen or donation from the law enforcement agencies. Diet and reproduction of the goliath grouper was evaluated based on 34 specimens obtained between May 2005 and September 2010. Results. Body size of 32 females ranged from 27.4 to 150.0 cm total length (TL) (mean 87.4 ± SD 34.8), while size of 2 males were 97.0 and 115.0 cm TL. Of these, 16 specimens (47%) were juveniles. Sex ratio was estimated as 1 : 16 (males to females). Two developing females were recorded, one obtained in February 2006 and another in January 2007. The length of first maturation (L 50) for females was estimated at 105.64 cm and the length where 100% of individuals are mature (L 100) at 126.0 cm TL. A total of 34 stomachs were analyzed, six of them were empty. Teleosts and decapods dominated the diet. The major food items of mangrove-associated fish were decapods Callinectes sp., while the coral reef-associated fish ingested mainly the boxfish Acanthostracion sp. The most important item for juveniles was Callinectes sp., while Acanthostracion sp. was the most important item for adults. Conclusion. We suggest that the goliath grouper moratorium in Brazil should be maintained for a relatively long time frame-more than four decades.

Commercial and recreational fisheries target hundreds of fish and shellfish species across the seascape of southern Florida including inshore coastal bays, the flats of barrier islands, coral reefs and offshore pelagic waters. The ecological dynamics and economic sustainability of these valuable fishery resources are key conservation concerns. This study examined two ecological indicators of fishing impacts on exploited populations: (1) the more traditional metric catch per unit of fishing effort (CPUE); and (2) the non-traditional metric average length (L) in the exploited life stage of a population. We show that both indicators were closely related to stock productivity via fisheries population dynamics theory, and that either indicator could be used to estimate fishing mortality rates (F). Data requirements are much less stringent for estimating F from theL indicator than CPUE, making it more practical for data-poor situations common to tropical marine fisheries. Using indicator-based estimates ofF within a population dynamic modeling framework enabled an evaluation of fishing impacts on sustainability at both the species and community levels, an important step toward ecosystem-based fisheries assessment and management. A comparison of these approaches applied to the assessment of southern Florida coral reef fisheries suggested that fishing has fundamentally altered the ecological structure of the fish community by depleting the biomass of higher-trophic level carnivores to the extent that the stocks are unsustainable.

Background. The goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822), is the largest Atlantic grouper. It has been the first marine fish subjected to a fishing moratorium in Brazil (since 2002). The aim of this study was to investigate basic biological aspects, particularly the diet and reproduction of this endangered species. We believe that our results, together with information already available in the literature, may be a foundation for new management and conservation strategies for this grouper in Brazil. Materials and methods. Specimens were obtained from an artisanal fish landings collaborative monitoring program in the cities of Caravelas and Alcobaça, Abrolhos Bank, eastern Brazil. Because of the fishing moratorium, we relied on sporadic incidental captures from fishermen or donation from the law enforcement agencies. Diet and reproduction of the goliath grouper was evaluated based on 34 specimens obtained between May 2005 and September 2010. Results. Body size of 32 females ranged from 27.4 to 150.0 cm total length (TL) (mean 87.4 ± SD 34.8), while size of 2 males were 97.0 and 115.0 cm TL. Of these, 16 specimens (47%) were juveniles. Sex ratio was estimated as 1 : 16 (males to females). Two developing females were recorded, one obtained in February 2006 and another in January 2007. The length of first maturation (L 50) for females was estimated at 105.64 cm and the length where 100% of individuals are mature (L 100) at 126.0 cm TL. A total of 34 stomachs were analyzed, six of them were empty. Teleosts and decapods dominated the diet. The major food items of mangrove-associated fish were decapods Callinectes sp., while the coral reef-associated fish ingested mainly the boxfish Acanthostracion sp. The most important item for juveniles was Callinectes sp., while Acanthostracion sp. was the most important item for adults. Conclusion. We suggest that the goliath grouper moratorium in Brazil should be maintained for a relatively long time frame-more than four decades.

Artisanal fishing on the northern coast of Brazil is characterized by a set of different fishery modalities. Using a multidisciplinary approach, 20 fishery production systems were identified, with distinct characteristics regarding technology and purpose. The characteristics of each system were classified into five dimensions (ecological, economic, social, technological and political). Multidimensional scaling revealed that some of these 20 systems have greater similarities. Thus, a total of 10 groups were identified.