Commercial landings of the black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) from the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean waters have declined by as much as 94% since 1990 (Figure 1). However, the species remains economically important in the region and in high demand both commercially and recreationally. Therefore, the development of aquaculture technology for this species is important, not only to reduce fishing pressure and supply the seafood demand, but also to potentially contribute to wild stock populations through stock enhancement. Therefore, with support from GSMFC in February 2020, the College of the Florida Keys started the pioneering process of domestication of M. bonaci using innovative technology and strategies intended to reduce complications often associated with broodstock collection and maturation for this taxon.
More recently, the project has explored the incorporation of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) using bivalves and seaweed to stabilize water quality in the grouper recirculating aquaculture systems and reduce the labor associated with frequent water quality monitoring and water changes. The focus of this presentation is to provide an update on the progress towards these goals and objectives.