The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has established a number of closed fishing areas to help ensure the survival of the gag grouper, one of Florida's most economically important fish species. Studies conducted by scientists over the last decade indicate that the gag grouper population is declining, and the proportion of male gag has dropped dramatically. The gag grouper reserve, the first of its kind in the Gulf of Mexico, will close two sites, each slightly larger than 100 square nautical miles, to all fishing, year-round. Scientists will conduct field studies over the next several years to evaluate the effectiveness of the closed fishing areas.