Top Atlantic Goliath Grouper Fishing Countries

The Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the largest bony fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, easily recognized by its massive size—sometimes exceeding 800 pounds—and mottled yellow-brown coloration. Preferring shallow, tropical waters around reefs and mangroves, this species is native from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico down to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and West Africa. Historically, the United States (particularly Florida), Brazil, and several Caribbean nations were top countries for Goliath Grouper fishing, with commercial and recreational harvests peaking in the mid-20th century. However, due to severe population declines from overfishing and habitat loss, strict regulations and moratoriums have been enacted in the U.S. and many Caribbean countries, making Brazil one of the few nations where limited harvest still occurs. Today, most encounters with Atlantic Goliath Grouper are through catch-and-release sport fishing, especially in Florida, where the species is protected and valued for ecotourism rather than commercial harvest.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.