Cage Culture of Grouper (Lapu-lapu) Part 1

Summary

Christopher Conas, originally from Texas, shares his experience with grouper culture in the Philippines. After moving there in 2007, he was inspired by local fish farming practices. He highlights the value of species like tiger and green grouper, and discusses the benefits of Mariculture Parks for foreign investors. Conas emphasizes the importance of proper training, patience, and suitable conditions for successful grouper farming. He also mentions the crucial role of reliable hatchery support and careful acclimation of fingerlings to ensure healthy stock and consistent production.

Takeaways

• 🌊 Christopher Conas, originally from Texas, USA, now lives in the Philippines and is involved in grouper fish culture.
• 🐟 The Philippines is home to high-value grouper species like the Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Tiger Grouper) and Epinephelus coioides (Green Grouper), making it a suitable location for grouper aquaculture.
• 💼 Christopher started exploring the fishing industry in the Philippines after observing the affordable capital implements needed for fish production during a visit to a BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) station.
• 🏝️ Mariculture Parks in the Philippines, such as the one in Guiuan, offer convenient investment opportunities for foreigners due to their surveyed and protected water quality.
• 🌀 Although the location offers some protection from harsh weather, the farm experienced minimal damage from recent typhoons, with slight stock loss.
• 🪸 For successful grouper culture, it’s important to have a water depth of at least 5 to 6 meters, as groupers settle at the bottom and require enough vertical space for growth.
• 🔄 Christopher uses a specialized cage design for grouper farming to separate them by size and prevent cannibalism, with grading done once a week.
• 👨‍🏫 He emphasizes that patience and proper training are essential for successful grouper farming, as they require different techniques compared to other species like bangus or pompano.
• 🏢 Hatchery support is crucial for a consistent production cycle, and Christopher’s farm now has a steady supply of fingerlings from Kingdom Prize Seafood, eliminating previous supply issues.
• 📦 The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recommends a stocking density of 20 pieces per cubic meter to maintain adequate oxygen levels and prevent issues like parasite and bacterial infections.

Q & A

What species of grouper are mentioned in the video?

The species of grouper mentioned are Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (tiger grouper) and Epinephelus coioides (green grouper).

Why is the speaker interested in culturing grouper in the Philippines?

The speaker is interested in culturing grouper because they are high-value species in the Philippines and present good business opportunities for expanding mariculture.

What challenges did the speaker face when starting grouper culture in the Philippines?

One of the main challenges was finding a reliable supplier for hatchery-bred stock. Initially, there were inconsistencies in supply, but this issue was resolved after connecting with a consistent supplier, Kingdom Prize Seafood.

What is important about the site selection for grouper culture?

Site selection is crucial, particularly the depth of the water. For grouper culture, the ideal water depth is around 5-6 meters to provide enough vertical space for dense stocking and to accommodate the grouper's tendency to settle at the bottom.

How does the speaker's cage design differ from traditional cages?

The speaker's cage is specifically designed for grouper, with individual enclosures (3m x 3m) to separate fish by size, which helps control cannibalism and ensures even growth rates.

What are some key factors for ensuring the successful culture of grouper?

Key factors include site selection, stocking density, proper grading by size to prevent cannibalism, and attention to water quality, including dissolved oxygen levels. Consistent hatchery support is also critical.

What training did the speaker receive to improve grouper culture?

The speaker received training at the SEAFDEC finfish hatchery, which provided technical knowledge on grouper culture and continues to offer support when needed.

What advice does the speaker offer to those starting grouper culture?

The speaker emphasizes patience and careful attention to the fish. Grouper require a different approach compared to other species, and it is important to use specific techniques for their culture rather than general methods for other species like bangus or pompano.

What is the recommended stocking density for grouper cages?

The recommended stocking density is 20 fish per cubic meter, as this ensures adequate dissolved oxygen levels and helps maintain fish health.

How does the speaker manage the transportation of grouper fingerlings from the hatchery?

The speaker ensures that fingerlings are acclimated to the water temperature and salinity at the site by gradually mixing the ocean water with the water in the transport bags. This helps minimize stress on the fish during transport.