By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 20: Surveys across eight river systems have highlighted Sarawak’s rich aquatic biodiversity, recording about 80 fish species, including six species of Pangasius and two newly identified species.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said eight commercially significant species were also recorded in brackish-water environments, including terubok laut, terubok sungai, ikan bulu, red snapper, grouper, seabass, giant trevally and lobster.
“These findings provide an important scientific foundation for the sustainable development of Sarawak’s inland fisheries and the conservation of its aquatic biodiversity,” he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He said the research focused on riverine fish inventories and biodiversity assessments to document native freshwater and brackish-water species, including their composition, distribution, abundance and habitats.
The surveys covered eight river systems across Sarawak, providing baseline data to identify economically important native species and support evidence-based fisheries management and conservation.
Dr Rundi said the commercially valuable species presented opportunities to generate greater economic returns through sustainable fisheries, commercial aquaculture, hatchery and seed production, seafood processing and access to premium markets.
Recognising the potential of high-value marine fish species, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak has proposed six potential sites around Santubong and Telaga Air to replace the existing Samariang Batu Inland Fisheries Centre, which occupies 150 hectares.
He said research and conservation programmes would also help safeguard valuable native fish resources, particularly Sarawak’s iconic terubok, while ensuring the sustainable use of aquatic biodiversity.
Research has expanded to cover the biology, genetics, taxonomy, aquaculture and conservation of selected species. These efforts include whole-genome studies, broodstock development, seed production, larviculture and improved fish culture and husbandry techniques.
The studies aim to deepen scientific understanding, improve aquaculture practices and develop practical approaches to managing and conserving economically important native fish species.
Dr Rundi said the Sarawak government had also established multidisciplinary collaborations with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), FRI Glami Lemi and the National University of Singapore (NUS) to strengthen research capacity and technical expertise.
He said the partnerships combine expertise in fish taxonomy, genetics, biodiversity, aquaculture and fisheries research.
He also said the research would support biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries development in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
