Juvenile black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) in a coral colony Photo: Héctor J Ruiz
CFMC UPDATES JULY 2022 When we talk about having a fish dinner, we often think of groupers. And although there are many diverse and delicious alternatives, grouper is usually one of the favorites. However, not all grouper species can be caught yearround. In fact, some of them cannot be fished at all, period. Why is that? When talking about the species that can be caught, there are seasonal closures meant to protect the species during their annual reproductive events. And when referring to In the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin you will find announcements, facts about marine species, and valuable information on fishing and regulations that rule this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands the species for which fishing is prohibited (such as the Goliath and Nassau groupers, Epinephelus itajara and E. striatus, respectively), this prohibition exists because the number of individuals needs to recover.
Juvenile Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) in the roots of seagrasses.
Now we have a new tool identify groupers in the Caribbean: MEROS PR, https://es.merospr.com/. The pilot project was funded by the CFMC and is completed by Isla Mar Research Expeditions. The project researches and characterizes juvenile Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), a species that was designated as threatened in 2016 by NOAA under the Endangered Species Act.
Photo: Héctor J. Ruiz
MEROS PR offers a space to learn about the regulations associated with certain grouper species, reminding everyone of the fishing closure regulations specifically associated with the Nassau and Goliath groupers (Epinephelus striatus and Epinephelus itajara, respectively), highlighting about essential fish habitats and why these habitats are important for fish and shellfish that are key for growing organisms for human consumption after they mature. The site provides easy to remember features to reduce the stress on protected species during incidental capture and encourage anyone to report their sightings through the MEROS PR app: iMero.
The MEROS PR website clarifies the regulations related to groupers and facilitate access to them. It also includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that answers the main questions related to grouper biology, where they are located, and how to return a captured grouper to the sea safely. MEROS PR is expected to contribute to regulation compliance.
“All are encouraged and welcome to report a grouper sighting on our app, iMero, which they can find the link to on the website. This information is used to help us identify the habitats where groupers are found and used to further characterize where groupers can be found in the various stages of their lifecycles. In particular, we are most interested in knowing about sightings of Goliath and Nassau groupers, as these are the two groupers of particular concern. Understanding the habitats that groupers use throughout their complex lifecycle will give us a better understanding of where conservation efforts could be directed,” explained Dr. Chelsea Harms Tuohy.
Juvenile Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) in critical habitat Photo: JP Zegarra
Identify several groupers!
Photo: Marcos Hanke
Frequently, different species of groupers look very alike. Look this image. Do you know them? From top to bottom, the first one is a coney (Cephalopholis fulva). The second one is a graysby (Cephalopholis cruentata). How can we distinguish them? Look the tail of the second fish; is rounded. The third fish is a red hind (Epinephelus guttatus). Look the black margin in its caudal fin (tail); this helps to differentiate it from the C. cruentata.
Don Julio César “Toky” Ramos Acevedo was born in Mayagüez and was raised in the Cerro Los Pobres and Calle Nueva sectors in Rincón. Fishing was part of his life since his childhood. As years went by and his experience grew, he grew to employ many fishing gear and styles; among these, cast nets, fish pots, and deep water snapper fishing. Out of all these, the cast net was his favorite.
Julio Ramos was distinguished by his empathy and solidarity. He was a Special Education teacher. He shared his catch with whoever needed it and firmly believed that one must always help others, because there will always be someone who needs a helping hand.
As a patron of Puerto Rican culture, he belonged to the Bellos Atardeceres Group, which helped him disseminate Boricua culture in many different settings. In the twilight of his life, Don Julio was an active member of the Puerto Rico District Advisor Panel (DAP PR) in the CMFC. “He was the brother life gave me. I learned much from the way he acted. He taught me the value and importance of a true friendship,” stated Nelson Crespo, President of DAP PR and childhood friend of Ramos. CFMC would like to thank Nelson Crespo for the provided information and extend our condolences to Don Julio’s family and loved ones, especially his daughters Adimary and Sandy Ramos, and his partner Iris Aponte. Rest in peace!
Blue parrotfish Midnight parrotfish Scarus coelestinus Rainbow parrotfish Scarus guacamaia Remember that none of the following parrotfish species may be caught in the United States Caribbean Economic Exclusive Zone:
Parrotfish serve an important ecological role in US Caribbean reefs. These fish eat algae, which compete for space on several coral species, including Acropora palmata and Acropora cervicornis, both of which are listed in the Endangered Species Act. These coral species’ habitat has been designated as a critical habitat, and the essential characteristics of a critical habitat include the availability of substrate free of macroalgae at certain depths.
Parrotfishes are also considered a cultural dietary component in the US Caribbean, particularly in St. Croix. These three parrotfish species tend to grow slowly and have relatively long timeframes in which to repopulate in comparison to other parrotfish species, which makes them susceptible to overfishing.
