Grouper species are prized in live fish markets across Asia, with welfare concerns around live transport, handling, and the capture of wild juveniles for grow-out culture.
Grouper welfare is compromised at multiple points in the live fish trade. Wild juvenile capture involves netting and confinement causing acute stress. Transport to cages and maintenance during grow-out impose chronic confinement stress. Live transport to market involves high-density confinement for extended periods. Live display in restaurant tanks causes chronic stress from unnatural conditions and repeated disturbance. The premium price commanded by live grouper creates economic incentives that may override welfare considerations throughout the supply chain.