KUALA TERENGGANU: Researchers in ichthyology (fish science) are urged to assist the state Fisheries Department by providing information on the locality of alien predatory fishes in Terengganu’s river systems so that it can carry out mitigation measures.
“It is important that researchers receive the approval of the authorities before conducting sampling in rivers for security reasons and to enable proper follow-up action to be taken,” the state Fisheries Department said in a statement.
It said the department viewed the invasion of alien predatory fish seriously, as reported recently in the New Straits Times.
“The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is an alien species which is allowed to be raised just like tilapia and carp to meet local demand for fish.
“These fish are reared in ponds, cages and fish tanks under controlled conditions.
“Last year, 890 fishermen in Terengganu were involved in aquaculture projects and 31 of them,l or 3.48 per cent, were from Kemaman.
“Of the 31 participants, 16 reared African catfish, patin (a species of local catfish), tilapia and puyu (climbing perch) in Felda Cerul.
“We also have six ornamental fish participants in Cukai, and two participants rearing tilapia and barramundi in cages in Sungai Kemaman.
“The others are located in the interior of Kertih and Seri Bandi.”
It added that the department’s resource protection unit monitored and engaged with the aquaculture projects participants regularly, and also inspected the premises to ensure that biosecurity procedures were adhered to.
“In 2014, we conducted an inspection on inventories in Sungai Kemaman and found no alien species. In 2017, when the department held a fishing competition, which attracted 1,000 participants, none of the anglers caught any alien species.
“However, we will continue with our inventories to check for the presence of alien predatory fish species.
“But, at the same time, we need support from researchers to provide us with information on these fish species,” it added.