Welfare challenges in coral grouper and other tropical reef fish aquaculture, including capture-based farming and intensive production issues.
Tropical grouper aquaculture involves multiple layers of welfare concern. The farming of wild-caught juveniles removes animals from natural ecosystems where recruitment is already under pressure. Intensive culture of solitary, territorial predators in groups creates social stress and aggression not seen in wild grouper. Use of live feeder fish as prey raises additional welfare concerns for the prey animals. Live transport to markets for premium prices creates severe transport stress. The sector represents a relatively unregulated frontier of aquaculture where welfare standards are minimal and consumer awareness low.