While stocks last: the live reef food fish trade

Abstract

Live flsh have long been traded around Southeast Asia as a luxury food item. Fish captured on coral reefs entered this trade only in recent years but, because of their superior taste or texture, have become the most valued fish in the trade. The majority of live reef food fish (LRFF} are Imported into Hong Kong. China either for local consumption or for transshipment to mainland People's Republic of China (PRC). The LRFF trade presently Includes a wide variety of fish, but Is dominated by several kinds of groupers. Retail prices for LRFF range from USS5 to SI80 per kilogram (kg), depending on species, taste, texture, availability, and time of year—prices rise during festive periods. Preferred size of fish (family-size) for consumption is 600 grams-1 kg. The trade is not well monitored, but Is likely to Involve at present about 18.000 tonnes (t) offish per year entering Hong Kong. China. The total regional trade may be around 30.000 t per year, with Hong Kong. China estimated to account for about 60% of the trade.