Nassau Grouper considered by US for listing as 'threatened species'

On 2 September 2014, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Government of the United States, announced its finding and determination that “the Nassau Grouper meets the definition of a threatened species” and proposes “to list it as threatened under the Endangered Species Act”.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Ministerial Council discussed the USA’s proposal to list the Nassau Grouper, an important commercial fish species in many CRFM Member States, as a threatened species under the USA Endangered Species Act.

The Ministerial Council said that Member States would need to be proactive in addressing this challenge.  It called on Member States of the CRFM to compile the best available data and information on the status and active management of Nassau grouper in their countries, particularly information that could inform NMFS’ final listing and proposed conservation measures. The window of opportunity for submitting public comment closes on 31 December 2014.

The Council also expressed grave concern over extra-national activities and decisions that impact on the social and economic conditions and international trade of CRFM Member States.

Source: CRFM Release
Editor’s Note: this article has been edited since being first published to correct an error in the title. Specifically the word “endangered” was deleted and replaced with “threatened”