GEORGE TOWN: Over 1.3 million freshwater prawns and fish have been released into Penang rivers last year, says the state Fisheries Department.
This comprised about 960,000 freshwater prawns (udang galah) and 350,000 freshwater fish (lampam and baung).
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“Each release is carefully planned to maximise benefits for local fishermen while ensuring ecological balance,” it said.
According to the department, the initiative, which is part of a Fish Seed Release Programme, focuses on species that are native to the rivers and already part of the existing ecosystem.
The programme last year, which was conducted four times at three selected riverine locations – Sungai Muda, Sungai Perai (including two releases at Jeti Labuh Banting) and Sungai Kerian – saw about 1.3 million aquatic species being released.
On average, each session saw 240,000 freshwater prawns, 40,000 baung and 47,500 lampam sungai released.
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The Penang Fisheries Department said the initiative aims to bolster fish stocks, enhance local fishermen’s catch, generate sustainable supplementary income and conserve aquatic resources for future generations.
“Prior to the releases, river inventory studies were conducted to assess population levels and habitat suitability,” it said.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to maintain healthy riverine and marine ecosystems in Penang.
Besides freshwater species, the release also include tiger prawns (udang harimau), sea bass (ikan siakap) and cockles (kerang), with 15.5 metric tonnes or 3.1 million released in marine waters.
The department explained that the programme cannot be conducted monthly due to budget constraints, which is why it was carried out four times last year at strategically chosen locations to ensure maximum impact.
“The selection of sites is based on habitat suitability and the potential to directly benefit riverine fishing communities.
“Based on our studies, the release is done in a way to ensure that the species are compatible with the existing ecosystem, help maintain ecological balance while supporting local livelihoods,” it said.
While the programme also indirectly supports recreational fishing, management and conservation measures must be maintained, said the department.
It highlighted that similar efforts in marine waters complement the riverine releases, with the aim to boost overall fish stocks in Penang.
The department voiced its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, emphasising that these initiatives are not only about increasing catches but also about conserving aquatic resources for future generations.
“The ultimate goal is a balanced ecosystem where local fishermen can thrive economically and the community can continue to enjoy Penang’s rich aquatic biodiversity.”
