SERIAN: The data collected during the Invasive Foreign Fish Hunting Operation at Sungai Krang, Balai Ringin, found that non-native fish accounted for 48.44 per cent of total catches by weight.
Of the 17 fish species recorded during the two-day operation from June 18 to 19, four were identified as non-native species.
Based on catch weight, Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis) recorded the highest at 14kg or 24.14 per cent, followed by Jelawat (Leptobarbus hoevenii) at 6.919kg (12.06 per cent), Kissing Gourami (Helostoma temminckii) at 3.89kg (6.70 per cent) and Java Barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) at 2.935kg (five per cent).
“Overall analysis found that non-native fish made up 48.44 per cent of the total catch recorded during the programme based on weight,” it said.
“According to the findings, the operation successfully collected important data on fish species composition as part of efforts to preserve the balance of the local river ecosystem,” it said in a statement issued by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture today (June 6).
The programme was conducted to monitor the presence of non-native fish species that could potentially affect local fish populations, while raising public awareness on the importance of conserving sustainable river fisheries resources.
Organised by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture, the programme involved 39 participants comprising 30 staff members from the division and nine members of the Kampung Melayu Balai Ringin Fishermen’s Association.
“The involvement of the local fishing community was considered crucial as fishermen posse,” it said.
The programme also served as a platform for collaboration between government agencies and local communities to strengthen monitoring efforts, fisheries resource management, and control of non-native fish species that may threaten river biodiversity.
“It is hoped that similar programmes can be carried out regularly in other areas to ensure Sarawak’s river ecosystems remain protected and local fish resources can be sustained for future generations,” it said.
