Provision of greater quantities of aquacultured grouper product would also help reduce the exploitation of wild grouper stocks. The targeting of spawning aggregations by commercial fishers contributes strongly to the unsustainable nature of much of the wild fishery for groupers in the Asia-Pacific region. Similarly, the use of cyanide and dynamite for capturing coral reef fish species, particularly the highly valued groupers, has caused widespread damage to coral reefs in the region as emphasised at several recent meetings, including the recent APEC workshop in Hong Kong on the Impacts of Destructive Fishing Practices on the Marine Environment. There is a need for further research to address the constraints to grouper aquaculture technology. The outcomes of this research should where possible be incorporated into 'best practice' guidelines for grouper aquaculture and efforts should be given to incorporating such guidelines into practical aquaculture extension activities.
Grouper diseases already cause substantial economic losses during grow-out.
The regional capacity for marine fish disease control should be improved, and development of a regional diagnostic centre, particularly for viral diseases, is considered a high priority. There is a need to establish a coordinated grouper research programme in the Asia-Pacific region. There is a need for improved exchange and dissemination of grouper research findings. To be successful, this Asia-Pacific Grouper Network will rely heavily on the active cooperation of all participants. While NACA will continue to coordinate activities within the network, the active participation of researchers and research institutes will be vital to the research network achieving its objectives.