367
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_14
Chapter 14
The Atlantic Goliath Grouper: Conservation
Strategies for a Critically Endangered Species
in Brazil
Maurício Hostim-Silva, Áthila A. Bertoncini, Maíra Borgonha,
Jonas Rodrigues Leite, Matheus O. Freitas, Felippe Alexandre Daros,
Leonardo S. Bueno, Ana Paula C. Farro, and Christopher C. Koenig
M. Hostim-Silva (*) • A.P.C. Farro
Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES,
Rodovia BR 101 Norte, Km. 60, Bairro Litorâneo, S/N São Mateus, ES 29932-900, Brazil
e-mail: mhostim@gmail.com
Á.A. Bertoncini
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – UNIRIO,
296 Pasteur Av., Urca, RJ 22290-240, Brazil
M. Borgonha
Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF, Outeiro São João Batista Centro,
Niterói, RJ 24020-141, Brazil
J.R. Leite • M.O. Freitas
Rede Abrolhos, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Pacheco Leão St,
920, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22460-000, Brazil
Instituto Meros do Brasil, 67 Benjamin Constant St, Curitiba, PR 80060-020, Brazil
F.A. Daros
Instituto Meros do Brasil, 67 Benjamin Constant St, Curitiba, PR 80060-020, Brazil
Pós-graduação em Ciências e Tecnologia Ambiental (PGCTA) - Universidade do Vale do
Itajaí (UNIVALI) , Rua Uruguai, 458 – Centro, Itajaí, SC 88302-901, Brazil
Abstract Commonly known as the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara
(Lichtenstein 1822) is a marine fish in the family Epinephelidae. Because of slow
growth, late maturity, large adult size (up to 2 m long and weighing 400 kg), and
shallow coastal habitats, the species is highly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities,
such as fishing and activities that cause habitat loss and reduce water quality. This
endangered species (IUCN) is at great risk of being lost from Brazilian waters.
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_14
Chapter 14
The Atlantic Goliath Grouper: Conservation
Strategies for a Critically Endangered Species
in Brazil
Maurício Hostim-Silva, Áthila A. Bertoncini, Maíra Borgonha,
Jonas Rodrigues Leite, Matheus O. Freitas, Felippe Alexandre Daros,
Leonardo S. Bueno, Ana Paula C. Farro, and Christopher C. Koenig
M. Hostim-Silva (*) • A.P.C. Farro
Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo – UFES,
Rodovia BR 101 Norte, Km. 60, Bairro Litorâneo, S/N São Mateus, ES 29932-900, Brazil
e-mail: mhostim@gmail.com
Á.A. Bertoncini
Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro – UNIRIO,
296 Pasteur Av., Urca, RJ 22290-240, Brazil
M. Borgonha
Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF, Outeiro São João Batista Centro,
Niterói, RJ 24020-141, Brazil
J.R. Leite • M.O. Freitas
Rede Abrolhos, Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Pacheco Leão St,
920, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22460-000, Brazil
Instituto Meros do Brasil, 67 Benjamin Constant St, Curitiba, PR 80060-020, Brazil
F.A. Daros
Instituto Meros do Brasil, 67 Benjamin Constant St, Curitiba, PR 80060-020, Brazil
Pós-graduação em Ciências e Tecnologia Ambiental (PGCTA) - Universidade do Vale do
Itajaí (UNIVALI) , Rua Uruguai, 458 – Centro, Itajaí, SC 88302-901, Brazil
Abstract Commonly known as the Atlantic Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara
(Lichtenstein 1822) is a marine fish in the family Epinephelidae. Because of slow
growth, late maturity, large adult size (up to 2 m long and weighing 400 kg), and
shallow coastal habitats, the species is highly vulnerable to anthropogenic activities,
such as fishing and activities that cause habitat loss and reduce water quality. This
endangered species (IUCN) is at great risk of being lost from Brazilian waters.