Nassau Grouper in Illegal Fisherman's Trap

A fisherman's cage is pulled up by researchers. It is illegal to fish for Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) December - February in the Bahamas when this image was taken. Lack of enforcement is a common issue in Bahamian fisheries. The scientists tagged and released the fish. It is part of an ongoing study to learn about the amazing phenomenon known as the grouper spawning aggregation. During the winter full moons the normally solitary grouper gather en masse to spawn at certain locations throughout the Caribbean and are especially vulnerable to over-fishing. Learning about these aggregations is of major importance to protect and manage the economically and culturally important fishery for these critically endangered fish.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: 2016_12_13LongIslandBH590.jpg
Copyright: © Shane Gross
Image Size: 4288x2848 / 7.0MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license; https://www.shanegross.com/contact; grouper nassau long island bahamas underwater spawn spawning science conservation trap trapped critically endangered critically endangered species Epinephelus striatus
Contained in galleries: Stock Collection

A fisherman's cage is pulled up by researchers. It is illegal to fish for Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) December - February in the Bahamas when this image was taken. Lack of enforcement is a common issue in Bahamian fisheries. The scientists tagged and released the fish. It is part of an ongoing study to learn about the amazing phenomenon known as the grouper spawning aggregation. During the winter full moons the normally solitary grouper gather en masse to spawn at certain locations throughout the Caribbean and are especially vulnerable to over-fishing. Learning about these aggregations is of major importance to protect and manage the economically and culturally important fishery for these critically endangered fish.