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Protecting the Nassau grouper—known locally as mero cherna—depends not only on science and policy, but also on the people who spend the most time on the water: fishers. In 2025, a series of hands-on workshops across Puerto Rico brought together spearfishers, commercial and charter captains, and recreational anglers to share practical knowledge about grouper conservation, regulations, and responsible fishing practices. Tailored Workshops for Different Fishing Communities Each

If you spend time fishing in Puerto Rico, there’s a chance you may come across a Nassau grouper — and we want to help make sure you know how to recognize one and why it’s important to protect it. English version of our Wanted Alive Poster Spanish version of our Wanted Alive Poster We recently launched a bilingual “Wanted Poster” campaign in English and Spanish to raise awareness that Nassau grouper is a no-take species. But unlike an old American Western wanted poster, this o

Protecting the Nassau grouper (mero cherna) isn’t handled by just one law or agency—it’s managed through a complex system that spans local Puerto Rico regulations, U.S. federal laws, and even international agreements. While this multi-level framework is designed to protect the species across its entire range, it can also create confusion and enforcement gaps. Local Laws in Puerto Rico: Strong on Paper, Complicated in Practice Within 9 nautical miles of Puerto Rico’s coast, tw