A study reveals that the Nassau grouper spawning site at Northeast Point in Belize has seen an 85% decline in fish numbers over two decades, risking local extinction. This decline is attributed to inadequate enforcement of fishing regulations.

A recent study has highlighted a significant decline in the Nassau grouper population at Northeast Point, Glover’s Reef Atoll in Belize, with numbers plummeting by 85% over the last two decades. This site, once home to thousands of groupers during their winter spawning season, is now facing the threat of local extinction. The decline is largely attributed to the Belize government's inability to effectively enforce fishing regulations in this remote area. Despite some protective measures, illegal fishing remains rampant, exacerbated by the site's isolation and the challenges of monitoring it. The study underscores the urgent need for improved enforcement and management strategies to prevent further decline and ensure the survival of this critically endangered species.