Nassau Grouper: Wanted Alive

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 one has a different message: this fish is wanted “ALIVE.”

One of the biggest challenges in identifying Nassau grouper is that they can look very different depending on their color phase. Some are darker, some lighter, and their patterns can change depending on where they are or what they’re doing. Because of that, the posters include several examples of these color variations to help fishers recognize them more easily. 

During the summer of 2026, these posters will start appearing in marinas, boat ramps, and other places where recreational fishers and visitors are likely to see them. The idea is simple — the more people who can correctly identify Nassau groupers, the better our chance of recovering their population to a sustainable level. 

Nassau grouper populations have declined across the Caribbean due to overfishing, and every protected fish helps their numbers grow. Even small actions, like recognizing one and releasing it safely, can make a difference.

And if you happen to spot one while fishing, diving, or snorkeling, we’d love for you to share about it with us. This website includes a reporting app where you can record Nassau grouper sightings and help contribute valuable information for conservation and research efforts around Puerto Rico.

Every sighting helps tell the story of this species and its recovery

So if you see one out there — let it swim, snap a photo if you can, and share your sighting with us on our reporting app!