LAWAS: A total of 800 mangrove saplings and 4,500 Asian sea bass fingerlings were released in Lawas as part of efforts to strengthen marine ecosystem conservation under the Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries Management (EAFM) Lawas 2026.
The programme aims to enhance fisheries sustainability through habitat restoration and stock enhancement, reinforcing long-term ecological balance in the district.
Head of Fisheries Region III Miri, Saini Suliansa, said the simultaneous implementation of mangrove planting and fish release is essential as both initiatives complement each other in sustaining aquatic ecosystems.
“When we release fish fingerlings, we must also ensure that their habitats continue to be protected.
“That is why fish release activities and mangrove planting complement each other in efforts to conserve fisheries resources,” he said during the programme at the Kayangeran Forest Reserve on Thursday (June 25).
He added that mangroves play a crucial role as breeding grounds, shelter and food sources for juvenile fish, supporting the natural life cycle of marine species.
Although only 800 mangrove trees were planted, Saini said the initiative could deliver significant long-term benefits while raising public awareness on environmental conservation.
Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department Director, Abdul Rahman Abdul Wahab, said the programme is part of the EAFM Lawas action plan, which stresses community participation and knowledge sharing in sustainable fisheries management.
He noted that mangrove conservation also serves broader ecological functions beyond fisheries.
“Mangroves are not only important to the fisheries sector, but also serve as habitats for various wildlife species and contribute to overall environmental sustainability,” he said.
Organised by the Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Department and CENTEXS Lawas, the programme involved about 60 students exposed to environmental conservation efforts.
In conjunction with the event, 63 life jackets were also distributed to licensed fishermen in Lawas to improve safety at sea.
Now in its 13th year, the EAFM Lawas programme continues to strengthen cooperation between government agencies, fishing communities, educational institutions and local stakeholders in safeguarding fisheries resources.
