Interesting, I think its a good idea as long as its regulated properly. I'm not a proponent of more regs by any means, but since they've already been decimated once its not a bad idea.

 

Work with Jessica

Sir, I agree 100% with everything you say. For the betterment of all concerned our fishery must be strictly regulated. However, after seeing NOAA and the Gulf Council at work, we must question their ability to adequately regulate anything. I do not pretend to know all the answers, but I do know that species such as the goliath grouper can be over-controlled to the point that said controls become counterproductive. Jessica appears to be concerned and willing to work with us. The more information she has the better she can be of service. Please help our fishery by working with her. Supply her with your observations; I have.

 

Why is it thought that Goliath Grouper need to be kept in check? What was keeping them in check from decimating everything in their ecosystem prior to human exploitation?

I guarantee sharks and dolphins steal more fish off fishermen's lines than goliath grouper do. Where's the call to action to prevent them from decimating "our" fisheries?

I'd encourage anyone who would like to formulate a more complete viewpoint on such things to research the concept of shifting baselines and then apply that idea to your current viewpoint on the populations of goliath groupers, lobsters, or any species.

Here's a Wikipedia article on it to start: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shifting_baseline

 

If ANY animal has a healthy population, we should be allowed to harvest it.

That goes for sharks, dolphins, manatees, koala bears, bald eagles, etc.

 

None of the above!

For those who actually fish around structures, rocky bottoms., near shore, off shore, or even some bridges, it quickly becomes apparent that the goliath grouper is a problem. Sharks & dolphin do indeed steal fish off fisherman's lines. So what? This has absolutely nothing to do with the control of goliath grouper. Ever wonder why we, the vast majority, are so easily controlled by NOAA, Pew, EDF, etc.? Easy! They are determined, focused, united, and stay on task! We, the vast majority, are none of the above.
Like lobsters? so does the Goliath grouper:
"It's probaly too bad they are such huge predators as on this coast they are eating lobsters at a faster rate than ever making lobster fishing less lucrative."

 

what about the lionfish issue? i have seen video of Goliath's eating a lionfish...We may need them in the Gulf as a lionfish predator.

 

I have not heard that about goliaths eating lion fish. If this proves to be the case I would say leave them alone. The lion fish is much more detrimental than the GG.