Cobia

ling, lemonfish, black salmon, black kingfish, sargeantfish, crab-eater

N/A

Cobia produced in closed recirculating systems ranks as a “Best Choice”. The feed used by US producers contains 10% fishmeal and 8% fish oil. Feed conversion ratios for cobia growout are estimated to be 1.5–2.0. Production in closed
recirculating systems in the US takes place inland. Consequently, there is no risk of farmed fish escaping or transferring disease to wild populations, and there is no impact on the marine environment. Effluent discharged from recirculating systems is treated and must meet EPA guidelines. Management of closed recirculating systems in the U.S. is considered effective.

Cobia farmed in ocean net cages in Belize and Asia currently ranks as “Avoid”. Studies suggest that cobia production in both nearshore and open ocean conditions is likely to impact the marine environment.

The ratio of wild fish used as feed to farmed cobia produced can vary widely among Asian producers. If dry pellet feeds are used then this ratio may be as high as 4.32:1, and if trash fish are used it may be as high as 5–10:1.

This use of marine resources is a high conservation concern.

Asian farmed cobia has a common transboundary exchange of broodstock and fingerlings. Farmed cobia can escape from cages damaged by predators, storms, normal wear or human error. Cages in Taiwan have sustained major cobia losses from typhoons in the past, which indicates that the traditional and modern style cages and pens used throughout Asia, are likely to be vulnerable to storm damage. Due to different farming practices, the risk of farmed cobia escaping from ocean pens and cages in Asia ranks as a moderate conservation concern.

Bacterial and viral pathogens as well as parasites affect farmed cobia during all phases of development. Mass mortality events in Taiwan have disrupted the industry, and events in Asia and the Caribbean link cobia aquaculture with the introduction of non-native parasites. Based on this information, cobia culture in Asia is rated as a high conservation concern.

Effluent from ocean pens and cages is released directly into the marine environment. The environmental consequences of cage aquaculture are most pronounced in sheltered areas and the negative environmental impacts of nearshore cage culture in Asia are well documented.

Production of cobia in Asia ranks as a high conservation concern.

The regulation of marine cage aquaculture in Asia varies by country, but it is generally not considered effective. The techniques and technology for cobia production are easily transferred.

However, due to the rapid growth of the industry, management often lags behind. Problems are addressed in a reactionary rather than in a precautionary manner. Management of cobia
production in Asia therefore ranks as a high conservation concern.

Where was this cobia farmed?

Cobia raised in the US using closed aquaculture systems represents a “Best Choice”.

No health advisory at this time

No.