Abstract

The status of the goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) in Southern Belize was assesed from January through August 2006 in response to fisher and local perceptions of decline in abundance and size of this critically endangered species. Through a combination of market landings, field work, fisher and restaurant interviews, several areas of abundance and critical habitats for this species were identified in relation to threats and conservation opportunities. Market landings in Punta Gorda yielded a sample of 424 goliath grouper between January and July 2006 that consisted primarily of immature fish (>99%) with a total length of less than 70 cm. Length frequency results suggest that most fish were under four years of age. The paucity of adult captures both by fishermen and researchers coupled with results from fisher interviews conducted throughout Belize suggest that goliath grouper suffer from recruitment overfishing. A survey of 28 restaurants in Southern Belize further suggests that demand for goliath grouper fillet is increasing while availability and overall size are declining. Results will be applied towards the management of goliath grouper and form the basis of a broader project assessing population size and on the use of critical habitats

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