Source: UnderwaterTimes.com
March 14, 2011

Corvalis, OR - "Scientists studying the Nassau grouper, an iconic Caribbean reef fish decimated by over-fishing, say it is showing tentative signs of recovery off the Cayman Islands since the government there imposed protective restrictions eight years ago.

However, their research also shows that the groupers' behavior during spawning - and subsequent dispersal of their larvae - may threaten the long-term viability of the species without further protection.

"Nassau groupers form large aggregations to spawn," said Scott Heppell, a fisheries ecologist at Oregon State University. "They are very predictable. The same trait that promotes their reproductive success, however, also makes them extremely vulnerable to fishing. And once their populations diminish, it is hard to rebuild them.""

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