Today is Earth Day, a day of events, discussions, and protests that support environmentally responsible practices and the battle to protect the planet’s environment. Underwater image-makers are enthusiastic supporters of environmental causes, and on this day, it is perhaps apt that we are asking the Wetpixel community to stand up again, and fight for a specific cause.

Wetpixel, along with our friends at SeaSave and Wetpixel member and photographer Walt Stearns has launched a campaign to prevent the removal of federal protection for Florida’s Goliath groupers (Epinephelus itajara). After 30 years of protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission is once again considering the possibilities to open the fish for “limited harvest.”

The FWC has added this topic to the agenda for its meeting on May 12-13, 2021. In 2018, the FWC proposed a similar idea, which was roundly opposed and hence did not come into effect. It seems strange that the FWC is trying the same thing again?

The campaign provides a simple and effective way to let the FWC that you oppose their proposal and that Goliath groupers need long-term protection. Please head on over and add your support now!

(Thank to Walt Stearns for his wonderful image)