The status of grouper culture in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Full-cycle aquaculture (the use of hatchery-reared fingerlings) of many grouper species is becoming more common throughout Asia. Grouper are cultured at various scales in every country of Southeast Asia — Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. While currently making up only about 10–15 per cent of the total trade, there is an increasing supply of full-cycle, cultured fish. The most important source countries are Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand. Grouper culture is also ongoing in Australia and the People’s Republic of China, although the industry in these countries will not be discussed here.