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Grouper

(U.S. Atlantic, Wild-caught)

Rating:
Many grouper populations have been overfished or have unknown status. However, strict management is helping populations recover. Red grouper and black grouper, both U.S.-caught in the Gulf of Mexico, are "Good Alternatives."

Market Names:
Mero, Sea Bass

Consumer Notes:
Grouper is available fresh or frozen year-round.

Health Alert:
Environmental Defense Fund has issued a consumption advisory for grouper from the U.S. Atlantic and U.S. Gulf of Mexico due to high levels of mercury.

Summary:
There are more than 85 species of grouper worldwide. They're long-lived (up to 40 years) and reproduce for only short periods, making them especially vulnerable to overfishing. Many grouper species are overfished.

The U.S. grouper fishery is concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico, just west of Florida state waters. Accidental bycatch often includes juvenile groupers and other grouper species that are protected by law. However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red grouper and black grouper populations have increased. Also, strict management in this area is helping reduce catch of depleted gag grouper, helping those populations recover.

Red and black grouper from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are "Good Alternatives." Other grouper species from the Gulf of Mexico as well as grouper from the U.S. Atlantic are on the "Avoid" list.

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