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[h=1]Sun Sentinel[/h] [h=2]Goliath grouper found with spear in head[/h] By David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel
2:58 PM EDT, June 13, 2014
A snorkeler near the Jupiter Lighthouse came across a disturbing sight: A five-foot Goliath grouper swimming with a stainless steel spear sticking out of its head.
The snorkeler, who spotted the fish just inside the Jupiter Inlet, called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sent a diver out to find the fish. The point of the spear was still lodged a few inches behind the grouper's eye, but the shaft had become detached, connected by a tether to the point.
The fish, estimated at 250 to 300 pounds, was "lethargic but still living," according to the commission on Friday.
The diver cut the tether and brought it back as evidence.
"It's conceivable the fish could survive," said Tom Reinert, research administrator for the wildlife commission, who worked on the case. "They're big, hardy, tough fish."
But regardless, he said, it's illegal to kill or attempt to kill them, under both federal and state law. In state waters it is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable but a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
The Goliath grouper, formerly known as the jewfish, can grow up to 800 pounds and can be found in shallow water, around reefs, docks and inlets.
Goliath groupers have been found illegally speared before, he said, and there have been other reports of them seen with spear points protruding from them.
The spear in this case was of unusually high quality, Reinert said.
"It's a very expensive spear shaft," he said.
The commission is asking for the public's help to catch who speared the grouper. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-404-3922 or text Tips@MyFWC.com.
dfleshler@tribune.com, 954-356-4535
Copyright © 2014, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
[h=1]Sun Sentinel[/h] [h=2]Goliath grouper found with spear in head[/h] By David Fleshler, Sun Sentinel
2:58 PM EDT, June 13, 2014
A snorkeler near the Jupiter Lighthouse came across a disturbing sight: A five-foot Goliath grouper swimming with a stainless steel spear sticking out of its head.
The snorkeler, who spotted the fish just inside the Jupiter Inlet, called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, which sent a diver out to find the fish. The point of the spear was still lodged a few inches behind the grouper's eye, but the shaft had become detached, connected by a tether to the point.
The fish, estimated at 250 to 300 pounds, was "lethargic but still living," according to the commission on Friday.
The diver cut the tether and brought it back as evidence.
"It's conceivable the fish could survive," said Tom Reinert, research administrator for the wildlife commission, who worked on the case. "They're big, hardy, tough fish."
But regardless, he said, it's illegal to kill or attempt to kill them, under both federal and state law. In state waters it is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable but a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
The Goliath grouper, formerly known as the jewfish, can grow up to 800 pounds and can be found in shallow water, around reefs, docks and inlets.
Goliath groupers have been found illegally speared before, he said, and there have been other reports of them seen with spear points protruding from them.
The spear in this case was of unusually high quality, Reinert said.
"It's a very expensive spear shaft," he said.
The commission is asking for the public's help to catch who speared the grouper. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-404-3922 or text Tips@MyFWC.com.
dfleshler@tribune.com, 954-356-4535
Copyright © 2014, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
