Eastern Indonesia Shortage on Grouper Fish Availability in W45

Suppliers in the East part of Indonesia, especially in East Java, are experiencing a shortage of grouper fish (Epinephelus spp.) in W45. The suppliers are getting their raw materials mainly from fishing boats operating in the sea of Aru (FAO 718 of Western Central Pacific Ocean). However, boats have not been returning with grouper catches for weeks. The catch has been difficult due to the unfriendly situation and stormy sea in the current climate. Boats are forecasted to return with grouper catch during early-mid December according to the suppliers. The grouper fish caught in the Aru Sea (FAO 718) is big at 30-70 kg per fish and is being processed into portions or fillets by suppliers for exporting to the EU and US markets.