AN UNSATISFIED demand is providing what one aquaculture consultant says is a potentialy very lucrative market for cultured groupers in the Philippines.
Lapu-lapu, or grouper, is a locally abundant high-value marine finfish. Some 40 different varieties occur, and account for about 2% of annual Philippine fish catch - according to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (Seafdec), this is equivalent to 40,000 tonnes.
According to the aquaculture consultant Enrique Macadangdang, there is a good potential for cultured grouper - particularly in hatchery operations.
