Continue to protect the goliath grouper

We, the undersigned, request the continued protection of Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) and vigorously oppose the relaxation in any manner of its current protective status.

Goliath Grouper have been inhabitants of Florida's reefs for millions of years and serve a vital role in the healthy functioning of the reefs. They have been listed as a critically endangered species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and have been protected from fishing in the United States since 1990, and in the Caribbean since 1993 (source: Wikipedia).

Many of us are divers and have witnessed the large congregations of these amazing creatures from August to October in Palm Beach County, where they travel perhaps hundreds of miles to congregate in groups of 50 to 75 for breeding purposes. It is incredibly sad that a group of 50-75 individuals constitutes a large aggregation, but such is the state of our oceans today.

We have witnessed the curious nature of these massive creatures and watched them roll on their sides to have their bellies scratched by a diver. Fisherman and spear-fisherman wish to hunt them for sport, but we cannot see the sport in shooting an animal that willfully approaches divers.

We, the undersigned, are extremely opposed to the removal of protected status from these gentle giants.