Florida wildlife officials lift Goliath grouper fishing ban

The other side: Opponents said there's no scientific evidence to show the species has rebounded, and recent environmental disasters like red tide and mass manatee starvation should at least delay any harvest.

• They presented commissioners with a petition containing signatures from 66,400 opponents of lifting the ban.

What they're saying: "This is simply not the time to reconsider a harvest for this species," Chris Malinowski, director of research and conservation at the Ocean First Institute, said at the meeting.

Yes, but: Groups like the Florida Guides Association and the American Sportfishing Association backed the plan, though cautiously.

• Commissioners who backed the change say a limited harvest with a slot limit of 24-36 inches, and a rule that mandates reporting biological data for the catch, will provide scientists more information about the status of the species.

Of note: Commissioner Steven Hudson, the only no vote, asked FWC staff to explore a fishing ban around several aggregated spawning grounds for Goliath grouper.