News Summary
Malcom Woods, a 63-year-old man, was arrested for illegally harvesting a goliath grouper off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. He faces charges for possession of the species during a closed season and without a permit. Florida has strict regulations for harvesting goliath groupers to support their population recovery. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in fisheries management, especially amidst a significant red tide event affecting marine life in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg – A 63-year-old man, Malcom Woods, has been arrested for illegally harvesting a goliath grouper off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The arrest took place on a Sunday and was based on an affidavit from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Woods now faces two misdemeanor charges: possession of a goliath grouper and possession during a closed season.
The goliath grouper is a species that has seen significant population losses due to overfishing throughout the 20th century. In response to declining numbers, Florida imposed a ban on harvesting this species in 1990. However, in 2022, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) allowed limited recreational harvesting under stringent regulations aimed at supporting population recovery.
Current regulations stipulate that harvesting goliath groupers is permitted only during the designated season from March 1 to May 31. A total of 200 permits are issued annually through a random lottery system, and each permit holder is allowed to catch only one goliath grouper, which must measure between 24 and 36 inches. Woods was found to be fishing outside of this legal harvesting season, did not possess the required permit, and caught a goliath grouper that was too small to be legally harvested.
The situation is compounded by the current environmental crisis in the St. Petersburg area, where a significant red tide event is underway. Red tide is caused by the algae organism Karenia brevis, which produces toxins that can be harmful to both marine ecosystems and human health. The red tide has recently led to a high number of marine life fatalities, affecting local economies and raising health concerns among residents and visitors.
The FWC’s decision to allow limited harvesting of goliath groupers was part of broader efforts to encourage the recovery of the species, which have begun to show signs of population resilience. Nevertheless, strict adherence to harvesting regulations is vital, especially during events like red tide, which can exacerbate the stress on aquatic life. The illegal actions of individuals like Woods highlight ongoing challenges in fisheries management and conservation efforts in the region.
As the legal process unfolds for Malcom Woods, his case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with environmental regulations designed to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. With the combination of the red tide crisis and illegal fishing activities, stakeholders continue to monitor the health of the marine environment closely.
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Additional Resources
- WFLA: Man Charged After Harvesting Goliath Grouper
- Wikipedia: Goliath Grouper
- St. Pete Catalyst: USF Researchers Identify Viruses in Red Tide
- Google Search: Red Tide Florida
- Fox 13: Giant Goliath Grouper Washes Ashore in St. Pete
- Google Scholar: Goliath Grouper Conservation
- Bradenton: Goliath Grouper Fishing Regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Red Tide
- Fox 5 NY: St. Pete Fisherman Catches Goliath Grouper
- Google News: Goliath Grouper
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
