Abstract

A meeting between State, Federal, and university researchers was held in August, 2007, at FWC’s /FWRI. The purpose of the meeting was to identify research priorities and coordinate the development of specific research projects on the life history and biology of goliath grouper in the south Atlantic and eastern Gulf of Mexico. The meeting consisted of presentations by stakeholders who shared their perspective on the goliath grouper issue, followed by a number of scientific presentations on the status, current research and information gaps in goliath grouper’s life history and biology by researchers from the Florida FWC, the NMFS, FSU, and UM. The meeting then proceeded to a round-table discussion of what we know— and don’t know—and what methods could be employed to address the most critical information gaps on goliath grouper life history and biology. The most controversial topic was the issue of whether a limited number of goliath grouper should be sacrificed for collection of biological samples (gonads for reproductive studies and otoliths for aging studies). This issue was intensely debated by all parties. Solutions to these and future questions will come from management action based on reliable statistical and biological information. This meeting was a good starting point for FWC to obtain information and advice from all concerned groups and it represented an effective tool in the planning process. The discussion and issues generated at this meeting are of great relevance for the Goliath Grouper workshop to be hosted at the 60th GCFI meeting.

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