Inside the box was the head of a goliath grouper. Gordon then admitted that the bags of fish – estimated at 125 to 150 pounds - were goliath grouper.

The goliath grouper – a giant species known until 10 years ago as the jewfish – has been a protected species since 1990. Capable of growing up to 800 pounds, the goliath grouper lives among the reefs and coastal areas of Florida, feeding on spiny lobsters, shrimp and crab, fishes, octopus and young sea turtles.

In the past few years, the fish has become more abundant, to the point that many fishermen are pressuring the state wildlife commission to let them catch them again. Other say the goliath grouper should remain protected as a unique attraction of Florida's reefs.