Did you know that the waters off the Treasure Coast are the only known spawning site for goliath groupers along the Atlantic coast?
The Fun Part
You hear them first—a distinctive bark that reverberates throughout your body. Then they come into view and you can hardly believe your eyes as you gaze upon an aggregation of goliath groupers. The offshore reefs of Jupiter, Florida host a year-round population of goliath groupers. In late summer, this protected species gathers to spawn. During peak season, you can expect to see sixty or more of these gentle giants congregated along the Jupiter Wreck Trek.
Goliath groupers are the largest predatory, reef-dwelling fish species in the Caribbean, weighing as much as 660 pounds (300 kg) when fully grown. Adults can measure up to 8 feet long (2.5 m). Game fishermen in the 20th century hunted them to such extremes that the species was near extinction along the Florida coastline by the 1990s. Finally, the U.S. government stepped in to protect them. A key factor leading to their struggling numbers is that female groupers take up to eight years to become sexually mature, while males usually take six years. These modern-day aggregations off the Florida coast are a positive indication for the species. It is imperative, however, that divers continue to advocate for their protection, as allowing fisherman to take them has again come into question.
Join Us August 17th At 1:30pm
$65
Aboard Jupiter Dive Centers Boat the Republic VII
As we experience the Goliath Grouper Aggergation for ourselves!