Abstract

Increased coastal development and a steep rise in foreign tourism is fueling demand for Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) in Belize. To assess current and future restaurant demand for this species and perceptions of availability and size, a questionnaire-based survey was administered to owners and/or managers of 90 restaurants located in Belize’s coastal towns and cities and the inland capital of Belmopan between 2006 and 2007. Results indicate that the highest pressure on Goliath grouper exists in southern Belize where restaurants surveyed actively seek Goliath grouper from local markets and fishers and serve it frequently to local and foreign consumers. Few restaurants in the north and none inland purchase this species. Most purchasers perceived a decline in both availability and size of Goliath grouper. Yet restaurants anticipated an increase in the number of clients served and in the demand for fish products over the next five years. The survey revealed several preferred substitute species for Goliath grouper, including snook (Centropomus undecimalis) another species perceived by local fishers to have declined in abundance and size. Results from this survey are helping to target outreach and education efforts to decrease demand for Goliath grouper and develop sustainable strategies for the distribution of pressure to a range of other, potentially less vulnerable marine species such as lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris).

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