Abstract

Developing survey strategies for rare and threatened species is often limited by access to sufficient individuals to acquire information needed to design appropriate conservation measures. The goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is a globally threatened reef fish. In Brazil, fishing has been prohibited over 11 years and one of the policy prescriptions attached to the fishing ban has been the amalgamation of data to subsidize species? recovery and management solutions. Herein we report habitat use and abundance of E. itajara in Brazil drawn from a participatory survey proposed by Projeto Meros do Brasil, which engaged volunteer divers in data-collection. A total of 188 sightings were recorded be-tween 2005 to 2011, reporting 306 individuals and three aggregations sites. Habitat type influenced the occurrence of E. itajara regarding total length and depth. This study underscores the importance of developing conservation measures addressing specific habitats and locations to enhance population recovery. Artificial structures (shipwrecks and manmade reefs) are strategic habitats that must be considered as highly sensitive areas to E. itajara conservation policies. We suggest the enforcement of surveillance, as well as, creation and implementation of marine protected areas as a key strategy for the conservationof E. itajara, especially high relief sites with relevant species aggregations.

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