Coastal bony fishes with a size greater than one meter in length play a key role in the ecosystem and are a valuable economic and cultural resource, however, most species are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and coastal pollution. The Latin American and Caribbean coastal waters are home to at least 32 species of giant fishes, half of these have been evaluated with a degree of vulnerability by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with eight species lacking data preventing their assessment. The IUCN’s Red List is a tool to inform and catalyze conservation actions; however, the IUCN’s recommendations are not integrated into national and regional fisheries management programs. This symposium seeks to bring together academics, civil organizations, managers, and stakeholders on the research and management of giant, commercially important fishes to discuss and generate an international and synergic effort toward new stewardship for these fish species.

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