Abstract

The association between goliath grouper and artificial reefs, especially shipwrecks, has been well established. Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) have been protected from all harvest within U.S. waters since 1990, and the species is showing signs of recovery within the Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic (U.S.). Complaints from some recreational fishermen imply that goliath grouper are affecting community composition at fishing sites. In this study, six shipwrecks were surveyed seasonally over the course of two years (2008 - 2010). The total number of goliath grouper was assessed through underwater visual surveys. Goliath grouper sizes were estimated using laser measurement and underwater video. Visual census was performed during each survey to assess the species diversity (number of species) of commercially and recreationally important fish. Species diversity was compared to the total number of goliath grouper observed as well as to season, site size, and site depth. Community composition varied between sites and between seasons, but preliminary analyses do not suggest a negative relationship between goliath grouper abundance and the presence of other commercially or recreationally important fish species.

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