Fishermen, fish farmers advised to take precautions

PETALING JAYA: Fishermen and aquaculture farmers are advised to take measures to ensure their safety in the haze, says Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Munir Mohd Nawi.

Fishermen were advised to always be on the lookout for hazards at sea to avoid collisions, said Munir.

“Aquaculture farmers must take preventive measures to avoid the risk of fish dying in ponds or cages, such as ensuring the stocking fish fry is at the correct density to avoid overcrowding,” said Munir in a statement.

Aquaculture farmers are also advised to give the appropriate amount of food to the fish, and to harvest them when they reached marketable size.

“Use tools such as a blower, paddle wheel or the latest technology to increase the rate of oxygenation in the water.

“Farmers must also ensure the breeding systems, especially in cages, are in a good condition,” said Munir.

He added that the Fisheries Department was concerned with the weather and worsening air quality in places such as Penang, Selangor and Sarawak.

“As a result, many outdoor activities had to be postponed to avoid health problems.

“For that reason, all fishermen and aquaculture farmers nationwide need to take precautionary measures during the haze season and the currently unpredictable weather,” he said.