Environews, Jakarta – One of the most valuable reef fish is the grouper. Groupers live and hunt among coral reefs. Known for their delicious taste, tender meat, and high nutritional value, groupers are highly sought after by fishermen. Various fishing methods, ranging from traditional techniques to the use of poisons and explosives, are employed to catch these fish. As a result, not only has the population of groupers in the wild declined, but the coral reefs have also suffered significant damage. In China, groupers are considered a royal delicacy and a dish for the wealthy. In Hong Kong, a Napoleon grouper can fetch up to USD 90 per fish.
Coral reefs must be protected, and groupers must continue to thrive in reef areas. To address this, Indonesian researchers at the Marine Fisheries Research Center in Gondol, Gerogak, North Bali, have developed grouper farming technologies. Using biotechnology, they have successfully bred various species, including Napoleon, tiger, and humpback groupers. Few countries can cultivate groupers, but Indonesia has a competitive advantage due to its coral reefs and warm tropical waters year-round.
Fishermen are transitioning from wild fishing to grouper farming. Juvenile groupers measuring 2–5 centimeters are reared in floating net cages and fed artemia and rotifers. Within 18 months, the groupers are ready to be harvested and exported alive and fresh. Transport ships carry live groupers directly to Hong Kong. Indonesian experts have also developed technology to ship live groupers in Styrofoam boxes filled with sawdust, ensuring the fish remain alive for up to 10 hours—well within the 4-hour flight duration from Indonesia to Hong Kong.
As part of the upcoming International Coral Reef Conference, themed “Sustaining Coral Reefs: Science, Conservation, Resilience, and Development” in Manado from December 13–15, 2024, a session titled “Sustainable Marine Livelihood: Surviving to Thriving” will be held. This session will discuss how coastal communities can protect coral reefs while boosting their economies, particularly through grouper farming activities.
