The goliath grouper is a massive fish native to Texas. This fish was known for being able to reach over 8 feet in length with about 100 pounds per foot. Unfortunately today these fish are barely ever scene. A tragedy of commons incident caused the fish to be over-harvested. This fish was known for being harvested for massive amounts of meat for the market. This fish meat was very profitable to be sold. Too many fishers caught and sold the fish making it near impossible for anybody to even see a grouper this size anymore. The fish wouldn't reach 8 feet because of them being caught before full maturity. The government had to step in to solve this tragedy of commons and prevent the species from becoming extinct. Therefore, the government forbid the catching and harvesting of the goliath grouper in the 1990s. The fish is now considered an endangered species to keep people away.
The government hopes to repair this part of the ecosystem with this new regulation. Legends today exist of people claiming to experience the goliath groupers. One swimmer claimed to be diving when it was swallowed whole by something unknown and spit back out. The swimmer claims to not know what swallowed and spit him out. Some claim it was a full grown goliath grouper. Some claim he lied. Whatever the case, the government is still fighting for the survival of the fish that fell victim to the tragedy of commons.
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