Abstract

Understanding spatial and temporal patterns in the distribution and population abundance of species that are important for coral reef health and fisheries is critical to evaluate management effectiveness. The Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus, is a critically endangered coral reef fish that has experienced drastic reductions in abundance because of anthropogenic impacts and natural stressors to essential habitats (Cheung et al. 2013; Sherman et al. 2016, 2107; Stump et al. 2017). As one of the Caribbean's largest teleost predators and mass spawners, Nassau grouper not only play critical roles in the maintenance and function of coral reef habitats but are also an economically valued fishery resource (Sherman et al. 2016).