This reef-associated species occurs throughout UAE waters. It is exploited by grouper fisheries, and is common in local markets in the Arabian Gulf, but apparently less common in UAE markets in general. It appears likely that this species is overfished in the UAE, based on the status of Epinephelus coioides, which this species (E. bleekeri) continues to be confused with in fishery statistics. Anecdotal observations of its occurrence in fish markets over the past 10-29 years indicate that population declines have occurred since about 1995, or a 24-year time period. Catch of E. coioides has declined by about 51% in Abu Dhabi over the past 12 years (since 2007), or approximately one and a half generation lengths. Applying data from a proxy species, three generation lengths is about 24 years. The status of population(s) outside the UAE is not well-understood, though it is also taken by fisheries elsewhere, including in the Sea of Oman. Based on catch data and fish market observations, this species has undergone a suspected decline of at least 30% and possibly more since about 1995, or over the past three generation lengths. Fishing effort is expected to remain the same or increase in the future. Therefore, it is listed as Vulnerable A2bcd. Further action is needed to improve fishery monitoring and data collection. Research on life history parameters is needed to improve the estimate of generation length.