Tiger prawns released in Penang waters to restore biodiversity
Source: The Star, written by BERNARD SEE
THE first batch of 10,000 tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) has been released off the coast of Pulau Betong as part of the Penang South Island (PSI) Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM), marking a major step in marine biodiversity restoration efforts.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing fishery resources and promoting marine conservation in the southern waters of Penang.
Representatives from key government agencies and departments were present at the launch.
Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PICSB) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the restocking programme was a crucial component of PEOM.
“Beyond demonstrating our commitment to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries, this pilot project will help us assess the effectiveness of fish and shrimp restocking efforts in Penang’s southern waters,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the late Prof Datuk Dr Zulfigar Yasin, who played a key role in marine ecosystem restoration and led PEOM research efforts until his demise on Feb 3.
Farizan said the professor’s dedication to marine conservation paved the way for initiatives like this, and the company was committed to continuing his legacy by turning his vision into action.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Penang government through project developer Silicon Island Development, is a collaborative effort involving Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) and various government agencies.
Cemacs director Prof Datuk Dr Aileen Tan said the restocking efforts were based on strict ecological guidelines to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We only introduce native species with a high survival rate in Penang’s waters to avoid disrupting the existing marine ecosystem.
“The programme will be closely monitored, with genetic studies conducted to track the movement and migratory patterns of the released shrimp and fish.”
In the next five months, an additional 42,000 tiger prawns and 25,000 seabass (Lates calcarifer) will be released in phases near Pulau Betong and Pulau Kendi.
State agrotechnology, food security and cooperative development committee chairman Fahmi Zainol said the initiative aligned with the state’s goal of ensuring sustainable fishery resources for coastal communities.
“A healthy marine biodiversity directly benefits our local fishermen, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of our fishing communities.”
Also present at the event were Silicon Island Development strategic communications and stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad, representatives from Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Fahmi’s offices, as well as officials from the Penang Fisheries Department, Batu Maung Fisheries Research Institute, Penang Environmental Department, Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, and Southwest District and Land Office.
