Top Kawakawa Fishing Countries

Kawakawa, also known as the blue-spotted grouper (Epinephelus cyanopodus), is a prized reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its robust body, blue spots, and high-quality flesh. This species thrives in coral and rocky reefs, making it a popular target for both commercial and artisanal fisheries. The top countries harvesting kawakawa include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Australia, where it is caught using handlines, traps, and sometimes spearfishing. In these nations, kawakawa is valued both for local consumption and for export, particularly to markets in East Asia where groupers are considered a delicacy. The fishing industry surrounding kawakawa is significant for coastal communities, though concerns about overfishing and habitat degradation have prompted some countries to implement management measures to ensure sustainable harvests.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.