MARICULTURE IN KUDAT AND KOTA MARUDU, SABAH

The main aim of this study is to provide a profile of mariculture, that is, cultivation of main grouper in Kudat and Kota Marudu, Sabah using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interview. This study tries to survey all the mariculture operators in grouper cultivation in Kudat and Kota Marudu, Sabah. There are altogether twelve mariculture operators surveyed. On the whole, mariculture in grouper is relatively a medium scale business in Kudat and Kota Marudu, Sabah. The mariculture operators are dominated by middle age men. The owner of the mariculture operators is mostly Chinese. The majority of them have education only up to the secondary school level. The mariculture operators mostly own their business and learn themselves about mariculture. The mariculture operators are mostly setting-up their business using their own capital. The mariculture operators acknowledge the importance of the environment on their business. Women are most important in supporting mariculture business. The mariculture operators mostly conduct mariculture business as sub-business. Mariculture in grouper can be a good business in Kudat and Kota Marudu besides there are several challenges shall be addressed in the business. The government can contribute significantly to the development of the mariculture sector.