Chapter 29 Public Policy for Sustainable Grouper Aquaculture Development in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The full-cycle aquaculture of many grouper species (e.g., Epinephelus spp., Cromileptes altivelis) is becoming more common throughout Southeast Asia. The primary reason for grouper culture is to supply the live reef food fish trade, with primary markets in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan. Most countries in the region are supporting grouper aquaculture development through research and extension. Very few, however, have policies establishing a legal and regulatory environment for grouper aquaculture. The future of the industry will depend on having a regular supply of hatchery-raised seed and fry. The collection of seed and fingerlings from the wild is not sustainable in the long term, and the export of wild-caught grouper seed needs to be regulated or prohibited. The collection of wild-caught grouper seed is often wasteful and impacts on other species. There is a need to shift from using trash fish as feed to the development and availability of cost-effective formulated feed.