BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ANTIQUE – A fisherman in Barangay Pucio, Libertad town made a rare catch on Thursday morning, November 7, reeling in a giant grouper, locally known as pugaro.
The massive fish, estimated to weigh 136 kilograms, was caught around 7 a.m. by Blas Prado, a seasoned local fisherman.
Prado sold the giant grouper for P110 per kilogram, earning a substantial amount given the size of the catch. However, it has raised attention due to the conservation status of the giant grouper, a species increasingly rare in Philippine waters.
The giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is one of the largest species of reef fish in the world. It can grow up to 2.7 meters in length and weigh over 400 kilograms in ideal conditions. They are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting coral reefs, rocky areas, and estuarine environments.
The giant grouper is a carnivorous predator, feeding on smaller fish, crustaceans, and even young sea turtles. Their slow growth rate and late maturity make them especially vulnerable to overfishing.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the giant grouper is classified as “vulnerable”, meaning it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices have contributed to its dwindling population. Despite legal protections in many regions, these massive fish are still prized for their meat, which is considered a delicacy and can command high prices in the market.
While the local community views the catch as a windfall, environmentalists warn that such captures highlight the ongoing threats faced by the species. Authorities and conservation groups advocate for stricter enforcement of fishing regulations and the establishment of marine protected areas to safeguard these iconic reef predators.
Prado’s catch, meanwhile, is a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species./PN
