Marine biologist. Professor (ret.) University of Hong Kong. Worked a decade in the Caribbean and almost three decades in SE Asia and Pacific. Focus on reef fishes, reproduction, conservation ...
IUCN COMMISSION GROUP
IUCN SSC Groupers and Wrasses Specialist Group
Overview and description
Description:
It was established in 1998 because of growing conservation concerns for vulnerable species in these two teleost families. The GWSG in the current triennium has 30 members from almost 20 countries ...
Group leadership
Dr Yvonne SADOVY
Co-Chair
Marine biologist. Professor (ret.) University of Hong Kong. Worked a decade in the Caribbean and almost three decades in SE Asia and Pacific. Focus on reef fishes, reproduction, conservation, fisheries and management
More about the Specialist Group
Groupers and Wrasses and relatives are among the most highly valued of all reef-associated fishes. Many species are targeted heavily for human consumption in domestic and, increasingly international, trade for food and as marine ornamentals throughout much of their geographic ranges. Few grouper fisheries are effectively managed.
The aim of establishing this Specialist Group was to bring together a small, active, group of specialists, spanning biology, fisheries management, socio-economics, research and conservation, to understand more about their fisheries and conservation status and help to advance protective agendas. Many of the species are data-poor despite their importance for food and trade. Actions include a focus of attention on vulnerable life history stages, such as spawning aggregations or nursery areas, and promotion of measures to safeguard critical habitat and reproductive capacity. Ongoing species-specific work includes a focus on three threatened species: Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus; Goliath grouper, E. itajara, both of the tropical western Atlantic, and the CITES II listed Humphead (= Napoleon) wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, of the Indo-Pacific.
MISSION
Promote the conservation and science-based management of groupers and wrasses and their relatives, to enhance awareness of the vulnerability of these fishes and to safeguard the habitat on which they depend. The GWSG works with groupers and wrasses and their relatives (Families: Epinephelidae; Serranidae; Labridae; Scaridae).
Understand threats to Groupers and Wrasses
Groupers and wrasses are largely dependent on rocky and coral reefs. Many are long-lived and slow-growing with low population replacement rates. Without adequate management most populations can only withstand light levels of fishing pressure. Their high value and desireability for food makes them a particularly appealing target. Fishing is directed directed towards both adults and juveniles and in many places is not sustainable.
Many the larger species of groupers and wrasses aggregate to spawn for short periods and at a few specific locations each year. Since these are the only times they are known to reproduce the practice of targeting spawning aggregations, both in the western tropical Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific, is considered to be a particularly acute threat. These aggregations are vulnerable bottlenecks in the life history of many species and need to be protected or managed.
GWSG on the IUCN Red List
To inform conservation efforts, GWSG assesses species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Annual Report
Learn about GWSG’s work and results in 2024 and 2025.
Previous reports:
GWSG Annual Report 2023
GWSG Annual Report 2022
GWSG Annual Report 2021
GWSG Annual Report 2020
GWSG Annual Report 2019
GWSG Annual Report 2018
GWSG Annual Report 2016-2017
The Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, of the Western Tropical Atlantic and Caribbean shown during a spawning aggregation off Florida, US. This largest of all reef fishes was reassessed as Vulnerable; a non-genuine status change from the initial assessment of Critically Endangered, which reflects an improved application of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. There is a premature move to open up its fishery in Florida in the absence of supportive scientific data.
Photo: Walt Stearns
Large adult Napoleon (Humphead) wrasse in French Polynesia.
Photo: Allen To
Vulnerable Camouflage Grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion) in spawning aggregation.
Photo: Yvonne Sadovy
Hong Kong Grouper (Epinephelus akaara). Photo by Stanley Shea
Photo: Stanley Shea
Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) post larva -for size comparison note the shrimp Palaemon elegans and the blenny Parablennius parvicornis. Photo by João Pedro Barreiros
Photo: João Pedro Barreiros
