The Goliath Diaries by Alan C Egan
The Atlantic Goliath Aggregation 18 September 2015.
Dive Site: Wreck of the MV Castor.
Weather did not cooperate today, with a huge low-level disturbance giving almost record rainfall and some dangerous lightning storms. The boat had to stop on the outbound journey due to torrential rain and no visibility making headway impossible.
When we eventually got on to the wreck, the current was northerly at 1.5 knot. This produced some really big goliaths on the bow with their entourage of cigar minnows. Light was challenging but it was a terrific dive with lots of action.
Water is still a toasty 82°F at 110 feet and 84°F on the surface, Perfect!
The Atlantic Goliath Aggregation 19 September 2015.
Dive Site: Jupiter Wreck Trek, Jupiter, Florida.
I had seen images of forty plus Goliath’s in one frame on the Jupiter Wreck Trek so I headed up there for the weekend to see for myself. I was diving with Scuba Works on the MV Emerald. Thanks to them for their assistance.
What I did not know is that the excess levels of storm water from Lake Okeechobee was being drained.
On the boat journey out, the inshore water color looked like the Mississippi! I knew we were in for some dirty water diving, but they say a bad day diving is still better that a good day at work!
The Atlantic Goliath Aggregation 20 September 2015.
Dive Site: Jupiter Wreck Trek, Jupiter, Florida.
I returned expecting more green water but was still excited that we might catch a glimpse of the amazing underwater event going on in South Florida.
The wrecks attract lots of other life, including macro and wide angle subjects, so it is hard to just concentrate on goliath groupers until you find the mother load!
The groupers are currently protected but every year discussions open about a possible harvest. Given that this is a breeding aggregation with sexually mature individuals gathering, this would be devastating for the species’ survival.
I am back to Jupiter on 28 September, and I hope the water will be blue and full of goliaths. In between, I plan to also dive the MV Castor in Boynton Beach on 27 September.
The Atlantic Goliath Aggregation 27 September 2015.
Dive Site: Wreck of the MV Castor.
I had heard the bait fish had finally arrived in large numbers and as the super blood moon is on 28 September, was expecting an exciting dive.
No disappointment despite no current and several dive boats dropping large numbers of divers (the word is out on this being a world class dive) We dropped in and saw goliaths and bait balls everywhere. The size of some of these fish always amazes me and the fact that you can approach them so closely makes for an ideal subject for photography.
In addition, the wreck is so large you can always find action away from the crowds.