The species was heavily targeted by spear fishermen and caught in large quantities.

Sharks can be attracted to spear fishermen carrying a stuck fish, and may slap them with cavitation bubbles from a swift tail flick.

The goliath grouper's inquisitive and generally fearless nature make it a relatively easy prey for spear fishermen.

For example, abalone- and pearl-divers swim and dive to obtain an economic benefit, as do spear fishermen.