�AGROBiz � �AY-JUNE . 2024

Restoring balance to Klang Valley rivers

BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO

This initiative aimed to curb the spread of invasive foreign fish species that are threatening the native biodiversity of these rivers .

About 200 individuals from various government and private agencies , urban fish-hunting community organisations , residents , and public institutes of higher learning ( IPTA ) participated in this initiative .

This programme was initiated in response to alarming findings from the DOF , which indicated that invasive foreign fish species currently overrun six rivers in the Klang Valley .

These rivers - Sungai Kuyoh , Sungai Klang , Sungai Keroh , Sungai Jinjang , Sungai Gombal and Sungai Batu - are now home to species such as black tilapia , African catfish ( keli Afrika ) and Amazon sailfin catfish ( ikan bandaraya ).

These species are not just a threat . They are a ticking time bomb for our local ecosystems . They are outcompeting native fish , disrupting the delicate ecological balance , and threatening the very survival of our rivers .

Other prohibited species in Malaysia include the painted pavon ( Cichla temensis ), sometimes known as the speckled peacock bass , the redclaw freshwater crayfish ( Cherax quadricarinatus ), and the tropical blue crayfish ( udang kara air tawar ).

ECOSYSTEM AT RISK

Department of Fisheries Malaysia Director-General Datuk Adnan bin Hussain emphasised the gravity of the problem : “ The percentage of foreign fish species is very concerning as it could stagnate the development of ecosystem biodiversity in these rivers .”

He also clarified that these invasive species entail substantial risks , and the DOF is actively engaged in efforts to raise public awareness of the long-term consequences of releasing foreign fish into public waters .

The programme succeeded in seizing over 600 foreign fish species weighing 400 kilogrammes .

Adnan stated : “ In today ’ s programme , where we cast fishing nets , we found that 99 per cent of the fish we caught were of foreign species . Even more surprising is that we only caught two local fish species throughout the two hours , namely ikan puyu ( climbing perch ).”

Notable catches included a onekilogramme Amazon sailfin catfish and a four-kilogramme African catfish .

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

To support such initiatives , The Fisheries Act 1985 ( Akta Perikanan 1985 ) provides a robust legal framework to conserve Malaysia ’ s aquatic biodiversity . This act regulates fishing activities , enforces sustainable practices , and imposes penalties for illegal activities .

Under this act , the DOF can implement measures like the foreign fish hunting programme to control invasive species and protect native fish populations .

The Fisheries ( Prohibition of Import , etc ., of Fish ) Regulations , 1990 mandates that “ No person shall import into , sell , cultivate or keep live fish of the genus as specified in the Schedule to these Regulations except with a written permission of the Director General as defined by the Fisheries Act 1985 . The Director – General may attach any conditions he deems fit

Aquawalk Sdn . Bhd Executive Director Daryl Foong ( Left ) and Department of Fisheries Malaysia Director-General Datuk Adnan bin Hussain examining the caught fishes .

to the written permission . Contravention of this rule or any condition imposed is declared an offence .”

The Fisheries Act 1985 remains a cornerstone of these efforts , providing the necessary legal backing to enforce and sustain these conservation measures .

JOINT EFFORTS

The foreign fish hunting programme was a testament to the power of collective action , with the DOF and the community joining forces to halt the spread of invasive species and safeguard native fish populations .

The event was made possible thanks to the support of several key partners , which included Aquaria KLCC , City Fish Hunter Community ( Komuniti Pemburu Ikan Bandaraya ), Universiti Utara Malaysia ( UUM ), Universiti Teknologi Mara ( UiTM ), and Malaysia Stadium Corporation , Bukit Jalil .

Moreover , Aquaria KLCC served as a crucial ally , imparting knowledge and raising awareness about the potential threats that exotic fish represented to

One of the captured species . indigenous ecosystems .

Their Alien Invaders campaign , featuring an exhibition showcasing invasive fish species , has been actively teaching the public since April 2024 and will continue through until June 2024 .

This programme is designed to equip the public with practical strategies to combat invasive species , underlining the crucial role of public awareness in this endeavour .

Aquawalk Sdn . Bhd Executive Director Daryl Foong also underscored the importance of corporate sector involvement in addressing this issue .

“ We take the invasive alien species that have inhabited the country ’ s waters seriously .

“ To ensure that the goal of conserving the water ecosystem is accomplished , the corporate sector must work together through detection , monitoring , and awareness campaigns ,” he said .

SETTING THE FUTURE

This collaborative approach among government agencies , educational institutions , and business companies is critical to the long-term viability of Malaysia ’ s aquatic ecosystems .

These programmes seek to restore equilibrium and protect the natural biodiversity of the country ’ s rivers through public awareness and active action .

The foreign fish hunting project has marked a significant stride in our ongoing conservation efforts , underscoring the importance of community participation and strategic alliances in environmental preservation . – @ AGROBiz

Casting the net to catch the foreign fish species .