4 SCAVENGER HUNT
NASSAU GROUPER EPINEPHELUS STRIATUS
CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically endangered DESCRIPTION: The Nassau grouper, an iconic Caribbean fish named after The Bahamas’ capital, has seen population declines over the past decade due to high fishing pressure, as its meat is highly valued. This large predator spawns in only a few, mostly undiscovered, locations for a short time after the full moon each year. Fewer than 100 spawning sites are known, and these events are a marvel, with thousands gathering to release eggs and sperm, allowing ocean currents to carry their offspring across the region.