Work Plan Implementation (Working Paper)

SCS/78/WP/72

PRELIMINARY FISH SEED RESOURCES SURVEY ALONG THE COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA TABLE OF CONTENTS

MALAYSIA

by

H.G. Angeles (Philippines)
Consultant (Fish and Shrimp Fry Collection)

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

The copyright in this publication is vested in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, by any method or process, without written permission from the copyright holder. Applications for such permission with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction desired, should be made through and addressed to the Programme Leader, South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme, P.O. Box 1184, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Project Document Identification

Work Plan Activity: 4(a)(iii)

4. Aquaculture

The objective will be to establish a programme of action for aquaculture development through the improvement of cultural practices in existing areas in particular countries, and the development of new areas. The Work Plan will be implemented through a permanent South China Sea Programme staff member and consultants. The work of consultants will usually be carried out in the individual countries; there will also be desk studies and consultations at the Programme's Headquarters. The work will commence in 1974, and will continue over five years of the Programme. The work will involve:

1. Determination of particular aquaculture systems most likely to be profitable;

   (iii) Examine the probable availability of stocking material for promising types of aquaculture, either from wild stocks or through hatcheries.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The consultant wishes to acknowledge the direction and support given by Tengku Ubaidillah bin Abdul Kadir, Director-General of Fisheries and Mr. Ong Kah Sin, Senior Fisheries Officer (Aquaculture), Division of Fisheries of Malaysia; and Mr. K. Satrap, UNDP Regional Representative and Mr. F. Ossella, Acting FAO Country Representative, for their support and arrangements in this consultancy. In carrying out the field survey, the cooperation and services of Messrs. Ti Teow-Loon and V. Palanisamy, counterpart officers from the Government, is deeply acknowledged. Special gratitude is due to the members of the crew of M.V. KERAPU I for their valuable assistance during the field surveys. Gratitude is also due to the number of anonymous small farmers and fishermen, who joined and helped in some of the field work. It is hoped that in some little way, the pathway for greater assistance to this rural folks in this aspect of fisheries has been opened.

SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING PROGRAMME
Manila, Philippines
February 1978

Hyperlinks to non-FAO Internet sites do not imply any official endorsement of or responsibility for the opinions, ideas, data or products presented at these locations, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. The sole purpose of links to non-FAO sites is to indicate further information available on related topics.

This electronic document has been scanned using optical character recognition (OCR) software. FAO declines all responsibility for any discrepancies that may exist between the present document and its original printed version.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Terms of reference
1.2 Background and justification
1.3 Time and place of assignment

2. GENERAL FINDINGS

2.1 Fish fry collected

2.1.1 Kinds
2.1.2 Relative amounts

2.2 Nature of fishing grounds
2.3 Methods of collection

2.3.1 Different types of gear

2.4 Observation on factors affecting presence of fish fry

2.4.1 Tide and phase of the moon
2.4.2 Ecology of shoreline

3. SUMMARY OF RESULTS FROM DIFFERENT COLLECTION SITES

3.1 Kedah State
3.2 Perak State
3.3 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
3.4 State of Malacca
3.5 State of Johor
3.6 State of Trengganu (East Coast)

4. FUTURE PROGRAMME

4.1 Fish resources survey
4.2 Follow-up programme

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Table 1 - List of fish and shrimp fry collected in coastal water of Peninsular Malaysia in August/September 1977

Table 2 - Kinds of fish and shrimp fry, relative amounts and places of collection during the fish seed resources survey in Peninsular Malaysia, August/September 1977

Table 3 - Species of fry, date and place of collection and methods used

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 - Peninsular Malaysia showing segments along the coast as possible seed collecting areas

Figure 2a - Clupeoid fry (x 16) drawn from collection from Kuala Besut and Kuala Setiu, Trengganu, 6–7 September 1977

Figure 2b - Fry of milkfish or bangus (x 14) (Chanos chanos)

Figure 3 - Shore seine net (operation in action)

Figure 4 - Shore seine net (shore seine in operation)

Figure 5 - Drag seine net

Figure 6 - Stationary fish fry trap

Figure 7 - Movable fish fry trap

Figure 8 - Bulldozer or sweeper type fish fry collecting gear

Figure 9 - Lure grass for collecting shrimp fry (P. monodon)

Figure 10 - Scissor type push net

Figure 11 - Hand scoop net

Figure 12 - Different containers used in hauling, sorting, and storing fish and shrimp fry

Figure 13 - Containers used in transporting fish seed

ANNEX A - ITINERARY OF TRAVEL DURING FISH SEED SURVEY

ANNEX B - PEOPLE MET DURING ASSIGNMENT IN MALAYSIA

PRELIMINARY FISH SEED RESOURCES SURVEY ALONG
THE COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
by
H.G. Angeles (Philippines)
Consultant (Fish and Shrimp Fry Collection)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Terms of reference

The author was recruited specifically to assist the Malaysian Government by (i) advising on methods of collecting fish and shrimp fry suitable for culture in brackishwater and marine areas in Malaysia; (ii) locating and collecting available seed resources along the Malaysian coast and their transport and distribution to fish farmers for trial culture; and (iii) formulating recommendations for necessary follow-up action in this field.

1.2 Background and justification

Brackishwater aquaculture is just starting to develop in Malaysia but in a limited area with relatively low production. There are shrimp trapping ponds specifically located in Sungai Lukut in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan; at Gelang Patah in Johor Bahru, Johor; and at Tanjong Dawai in Kedah State. The shallow bays in the west coast are being utilized for the culture and raising of cockles. The cockle industry has an estimated production of about 28 000 metric tons. Other fish production come from marine sources caught by small and medium-sized fish trawlers and by gillnets of different mesh sizes.

The peninsular states of the country, together with the states of Sabah and Sarawak in the east, abound with large mangrove swamp areas, portions of which are available and suitable for brackishwater aquaculture development projects. The approximate total area of mangrove swamplands in Malaysia is estimated at about 150 000 hectares. Aside from this, there are also numerous tidal flats particularly in the west coast which are suitable sites for the development of coastal aquaculture where cultivable finfish could be raised. These mentioned finfish can be cultured in ponds or raised in fish cages and fish pens in commercial-scale. Finfish raised and cared in fish cages are presently being practiced commercially in Hong Kong. The Philippines and Indonesia have extensive brackishwater aquaculture industry employing their respective traditional techniques of culture.

Malaysia has not practiced the culture of euryhaline finfish so that trial culture along this line need to be started. The shrimp trapping ponds which are in existence in the western part of the Peninsula need renovation and intensification in order to effect better production. The existing layout and design of ponds will require modifications to make them suitable for the raising of the various cultivable euryhaline finfish such as mullet, scatophagids and siganids, and with penaeid shrimp.

The Government has, under near completion, the construction and development of a brackishwater aquaculture demonstration station at Gelang Patah in Johor, which is expected to be operational early 1978.

Technical staff of different specialized skills will have to be posted to conduct studies and research in the different aspects of brackishwater aquaculture. The station will most likely fill in the gap in boosting the development of the aquaculture industry in Peninsular Malaysia, as it will serve as the centre of information in relation to coastal fish culture.

The population of Malaysia is estimated to reach the 17 million mark by the year 1985. With this estimated increase of population, economic strategy will have to be instituted to meet the demands of possible increase in population. Fish production coming from the marine sources should have to be augmented by production coming from the inland fisheries sector even at the minimal rate of about 5 to 10 percent of the expected production from marine sources. Realization of this goal may provide additional sources of employment for the increase of population.

1.3 Time and place of assignment

The period of assignment was for two months which extended from 31 July to 2 October 1977. The itinerary of the survey is summarized in ANNEX A. The survey covered the various coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia, namely: Langkawi group of Islands, Pulau Bidang, Kuala Sala, Tanjong Dawai and Kuala Muda in Kedah State; Kuala Jarum-mas and Bagan Panchor in Perak State; Port Dickson and Sungai Lukut in Negeri Sembilan; Malacca coast in Malacca; Sungai Gelang Patah and Johor Bahru in Johor in the west coast; and Kuala Setiu and Kuala Besut, Trengganu, in the east coast.

Despite the very limited period of assignment, the author, with the close cooperation of the personnel from the Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, was able to make preliminary assessment of the conditions prevailing in the different fish seed collecting grounds. There is indication that some coastal areas in the west coast may be selected for the conduct of at least a one-year observation on fish seed collection to determine the amounts and peaks of occurrences of such cultivable species of fish like mullet (Mugil spp.); spadefish or scats (Scatophagus argus); siganids (Siganus spp.); seabass (Lates calcarifer); groupers (Epinephelus spp.); and also Penaeus monodon, P. merguiensis, etc.

Similarly, the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia should be fully surveyed to determine and pinpoint the areas where cultivable finfish and shrimp fry can be obtained in commercial quantities. The tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is one of the major cultivable species raised in artificially made brackishwater fishponds in the Southeast Asian Region.

2. GENERAL FINDINGS

2.1 Fish fry collected

2.1.1 Kinds

Fish fry collected constitute 10 representative genera of finfish and three species of penaeid shrimp as follows: Mugil spp., Scatophagus sp., Siganus spp., Lutjanus spp., Epinephelus spp., Therapon spp., Stolephorus sp., Sardinella sp., Hemiramphus sp., Ambassis sp., and Penaeus merguiensis, Penaeus monodon and Penaeus semisulcatus (Table 1). All the species identified are presently being cultured except the species of Therapon, Ambassis, Stolephorus, Hemiramphus and Sardinella.

2.1.2 Relative amounts (Table 2)

The Mugil spp. predominates all other fish fry collected in all the areas surveyed. Other fish fry seem also to be present in almost all the areas surveyed. The scats or scatophagids which can be raised in fishponds were observed to be present abundantly in Malacca coast and in Kuala Setiu, Trengganu. Similarly, the siganids which can also be cultured in fishponds and in fish cages are present in abundance in Kuala Setiu Lagoon in the state of Trengganu.

Penaeus monodon has been found to be present in quantities during the survey at Pulau Langkawi in Kedah State. This was also observed to be present at Kuala Setiu and Kuala Besut, Trengganu.

The milkfish Chanos chanos is the most important cultivable species of fish raised and cultured in commercial-scale in brackishwater fishponds and in freshwater fishpens in the Southeast Asian Region. Attempts were made in this survey to locate the presence of this fry as there is no record of its presence in west Malaysia. During collections made on 6–7 September 1977 at Kuala Setiu and Kuala Besut, Trengganu in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, fry of a species bearing very close morphological characteristics and behaviour like that of milkfish were collected. Preliminary identification made in the field and after collection indicated that the collection could be that of milkfish. However, as this would be a new record of the presence of this species in this geographical area, further verification was deemed necessary. This has now been done and the specimens have been identified in the laboratory of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department at Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines. They have now been identified as fry of clupeoid species (Figure 1) and not of milkfish (Figure 2). Further work is being done with the specimens with a view that a key to the identification of this larval fishes encountered in coastal waters in this region may be developed. It is indeed regretted that the initial identification was in error. However, as Chanos fry has been found in the coast of Thailand and Vietnam and also in Northeast Sumatra (Aceh province) there is also the possibility of its presence in the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. More thorough and sustained search for this fry will be required.

2.2 Nature of fishing grounds

The entire shoreline of the west coast of Malaysia were found to be naturally muddy with heavy silt deposits. Water along the coast remains continually turbid. The turbidity of the water seems to be caused by water turbulence and also by the continuous operations of fish trawlers. The west coast are mostly tidal flats and swampy areas in nature. Under these conditions, the operation of shore seine in the collection of fish seeds may not be very conducive. However, there are isolated areas of short distances that have natural sandy shoreline in which the shore seine can be utilized for collection. These isolated areas may be found in the Langkawi group of Islands, Tanjong Dawai District and Kuala Muda in Kedah State and in Port Dickson in Perak State.

The east coast has long stretches of sandy shoreline suitable for the operation of the shore seine for the collection of fish fry. The long coastline of sandy shores from Pahang State in the southeast to Kelantan State in the north-east may prove to be favourable for fish fry collection and exploitation.

2.3 Methods of collection

The countries in southeast Asian Region in all probability are using their own respective traditional methods of fish fry collection. For instance, in the Philippines where milkfish fry gathering is an established industry, two major methods of fry collection, with variations of each, are commonly used, namely: the shore seine (Figure 3, 4) and the fry trap (Figure 6, 7). These two methods of collection were found to be highly effective.

In Malaysia the same two major methods are recommendable for use. The shore seine may be adaptable for operational use in the entire east coast as well as in some isolated areas in the west coast. Fry trap may be considered and recommended for adoption as these are in existence in numerous river outlets in both the east and the west. All kinds of fish fry and other fish seeds may be collected by the shore seine because it is made of very fine nylon cloth material.

The author during the course of his tour of duty in Malaysia demonstrated the techniques of fish fry collection. The methods shown to the personnel of the Fisheries Division and some coastal fishermen were the shore seine and the fry trap.

The results obtained in the collection survey were quite successful as fish fry were collected and fish seeds that are cultivable in importance specifically mullet, siganids, spadefish, snappers, seabass and three species of shrimp, namely: Penaeus monodon, P. merguiensis and P. semisulcatus were the dominant species in the catch.

These two methods may be applicable in the collection of shrimp fry and fish seeds in Malaysian coasts. There are also other methods that can be utilized for exploratory fish fry collection in Malaysia. The shore seine and fry trap and the other methods of fry collection are described in the sections that follow.

2.3.1 Different types of gear

The different types of fish fry collecting gears described and shown in the following figures are traditionally used in the Philippines, particularly in the collection of milkfish and shrimp fry. Indonesia, Thailand and other countries are probably using also the same gears with variations in size and construction and in methods of operation.

A. Shore seine (Figures 3 and 4)

The shore seine net is made of very fine mesh nylon material. It is rectangular in form with a length of about 10 metres and a width of about 3.0 metres. The top and bottom lines of the finished net have no floats nor lead sinkers. One end of the net has an attached pole while the other end has extended nylon rope of suitable size. Usually, this is operated by two men, one man holding the pole positioned close to the shallow shoreline while the other man is positioned in the outer end where the water is deeper, sometimes knee or waist deep off the coast. The shore seine is dragged slowly by two men along the shoreline walking a distance between 30 to 50 metres before hauling of fry could be effected. This operation goes intermittently until sufficient fry have been caught and collected for a day's work. Finfish fry, shrimp fry mixed with fry of other uneconomic species are commonly collected in this gear.

B. Drag seine (Figure 5)

The drag seine net is different from the shore seine. Although it is also rectangular in form, its length is much longer ranging between 20 to 30 metres and slightly wider in width about 5 metres. It is also made of nylon netting with a mesh size of 5 mm. It is provided with a float line and lead line, and is usually operated in shallow sea, river mouth, shallow bays and lagoon. It is operated by about 4 to 6 men. Both ends of the net may or may not have attached pole. Bigger sizes of fish seeds are usually collected by this gear such as groupers, snappers, seabass, siganids, scatophagids, fingerling size mullets and juvenile size shrimp, Penaeus spp.

C. Stationary fish fry trap (Figure 6)

This is another effective method of fish fry collection. It is a V-shaped barricade usually set at the shallow portion of the tidal river mouth. There is mounted at the end of the V-form shape trap a filter bag net. Collection operation starts when the tide begins to rise. Fish and shrimp fry and other extraneous fry carried by the tidal current are filtered and accumulated in the mounted bag net. Accumulated fish fry are then scooped or bailed out by means of a porcelain basin.

D. Movable fry trap (Figure 7)

This is a modified trap net. The principle involved is practically the same as in the stationary fry trap. The only modification is that the former is stationary while this movable fry trap is adjustable and can be transferred from one place to another to locate the places where fish fry occur in abundance. The fish fry carried by tidal current that accumulates in the bag net are scooped or bailed out by means of a porcelain basin.

E. Bulldozer or sweeper type fish fry collecting gear (Figure 8)

The technique involved is also similar to the shore seine. While the shore seine is dragged by two men, this gear is simply pushed along the shallow portion of the coast by just one man. Fish fry that accumulate at the end of the mounted net are also scooped or bailed out by a porcelain basin. All kinds of fish fry are being collected in this type of collecting gear.

F. Lure grass (Figure 9)

Lure grass is known in the Philippines as “bonbon” method of shrimp collection. Bundles of aquatic grasses are tied in series along a long line about a metre distance apart. These are usually set at river estuaries and tidal creeks preferably in their upper reaches. Shrimp fry carried by tidal current upstream seek attachment to floating objects, twigs and grasses. Collection of shrimp fry is done by a hand scoop net by a fisherman on board a wooden dugout or banca.

G. Scissor type push net (Figure 10)

This is the simplest type of fish fry collector. One man can handle the operation. It is practically similar with that of the bulldozer type. It can also be used specifically in the collection of shrimp fry by scooping any form of floating debris and submerged aquatic grasses in shallow bays and estuaries. The net should be made of very fine mesh nylon material.

H. Hand scoop net (Figure 11)

Scoop nets mounted on a handle can also be used for limited operations in the catching of various fish seeds.

2.3.2 Other appliances for collection (Figure 12)

A. Earthen jar or pot (Figure 12a)

Earthen jar or pot is a suitable container for storing fish fry. This is commonly true for finfish fry. Being made of coarse clay resulting in some degree of porosity, water temperature can be maintained at the desired low level that will keep the fish fry in good condition. From experience in the Philippines, milkfish fry can be stored in the earthen jar from 5 to 7 days before stocking. However, occasional changing of water and removal of any dead fry in the pot help in maintaining good condition of the fry.

B. Bowl or cup (Figure 12b)

The bowl is specifically used in sorting and/or counting of collected fry.

C. Porcelain or plastic basin (Figure 12c, d)

The basin has many uses in relation to fish fry collection. Porcelain that is white or unpainted is much preferred than plastic basin as milkfish fry and shrimp fry can be seen easily and identified with its use. It is used for scooping or bailing out of accumulated fish fry in shore seine, fish fry trap and lure grass. It can also be utilized as holding container for finfish and shrimp fry in case there are no available earthen jars for immediate use.

D. Containers used in transporting and handling fish fry and/or fish seed (Figure 13)

For the transport of mullet fry, shrimp fry and finfish fry from one place to another, polyethylene bags are now preferrably used (Figure 13d). Oxygenated polyethylene bags (Figure 13a, b) with fish fry in it can be conveniently loaded on airplanes or lorries without encountering too much mortality. Oxygen gas tanks with the necessary fittings, gauges and pipes are handy (Figure 13c).

2.4 Observation on factors affecting presence of fish fry

2.4.1 Tide and phase of the moon

The tide and phase of the moon are the two influencing factors affecting the presence or absence of fish fry. Natural spawning of fishes are likewise influenced by the phase of the moon. It has been observed that fish fry of different species can be found in greater abundance along the shoreline five days before the onset of the new moon. As observed in the past, peak occurrence of fish fry can be felt three days after the lapse of the new moon. The presence in abundance of fish fry may also be felt during the period three days before to three days after full moon.

Although fry may be present in the collecting grounds at the different phases of the tide, their capture is much more convenient during the incoming high tide. The spring tides during the new and full moon phases appear to be the most suitable period for the catching of fish fry.

The phase of the moon, therefore, which influences the rise and fall of the tides has been observed to have some bearing on the natural spawning of fishes. Spawned eggs which in turn develop into hatchlings in the sea are then carried to the shoreline by the incoming tide either to seek sanctuary for their survival or to feed, It is at this time that they are caught or collected for culture use.

2.4.2 Ecology of shoreline

The entire shoreline of the west coast with few isolated areas are characterized predominantly by muddy bottom. thick soft silt deposits were found to cover the shoreline causing it to become tidal flats. Continuous roughness of the sea stirs the sea bottom so that the silt is carried inshore by tidal current. The coastline of the western part of Malaysia is exposed to the prevailing southwest monsoon.

The eastern coast although exposed to the northeast monsoon have usually clear water. Waves that strike the sandy shore does not affect the turbidity of the water. Very few mangrove areas are found along this coast. Most of the mangrove areas are located slightly further inland.

Collection of fish fry and fish seeds should therefore be done during the suitable season. In the west, fish seed collection can commence with the start of the northeast winds from November to February of the following year. On the opposite side (east) fish fry and fish seed collection may be intensified starting March till the later part of October. These periods will be calm in the area that will make it convenient and conducive in the operation of the shore seine and fry trap for fish fry collection.

3. SUMMARY OF RESULTS FROM DIFFERENT COLLECTION SITES (Table 3)

3.1 Kedah State

Collection surveys were made at the Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Sala, Tanjong Dawai and Kuala Muda. In this state, Pulau Langkawi, Tanjong Dawai and Kuala Muda were found to be suitable fish seed collecting areas as characterized by the presence of tidal rivers opening into the sea and sandy shorelines. At Tanjong Dawai and Kuala Muda, mullet, siganid and scatophagid (kitang) fry and some shrimp fry were collected using fine mesh shore seine. The condition in Kuala Sala and Kuala Muda were not found to be suitable for the collection of fish fry due to the turbid nature of the water, its shallowness and muddy bottom.

3.2 Perak State

The coastal areas of Jarum-mas Bay and Bagon Panchor in Larut Matang District were surveyed since these areas are characterized by the presence of estuaries and numerous tidal creeks. The movable fry trap mounted on floating bamboo raft was tried for operation at the mouth of Bagon Panchor taking advantage of the incoming high tide. Here shrimp fry especially Penaeus merguiensis and fish fry mostly mullet composed the main catch. The fine mesh shore seine was not used in these areas due to the muddiness of the shoreline.

3.3 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

The coastal shoreline of Port Dickson in the State of Negeri Sembilan was surveyed. The sandy nature of the coastline favours the use of fry shore seine but due to the nature of tide during the visit, the presence of fish seeds in the area was not noticeable. A follow-up fish seed survey under favourable tide condition using the method demonstrated in the area was suggested to the fisheries personnel.

3.4 State of Malacca

A survey was made along the breakwater wall near Malacca City and numerous fish seeds consisting of scatophagid fry and mullet fry were found to be present. However, due to the rugged terrain of the shoreline, neither the shore seine nor the movable fish trap could be used effectively. Here, collection was done by means of hand scoop net. For effective collection, a modified push net which is slightly bigger than the scissor form scoop net may be used instead of the hand scoop net.

3.5 State of Johor

Fish seed survey was conducted in Sungai Gelang Patah near the site of the Government Brackishwater Aquaculture Demonstration Station which is under construction. As this area is a mangrove swamp characterized by numerous tidal creeks, the floating movable fish trap was used. It was found that the fish seed available were predominantly mullet fry with lesser number of scatophagid and siganids. There are also some penaeid fry mainly Penaeus merguiensis.

3.6 State of Trengganu (East Coast)

Fry collection was made only specifically at Kuala Setiu and Kuala Besut in the State of Trengganu. This was done on the 6th and 7th of September during the incoming high tide between 0700 and 1100 hours in these two days. As the shoreline is sandy in nature, the fry shore seine was the suitable gear used during the survey. The main catch in this collection area were fry of clupeoids which has very striking resemblance with milkfish fry, together with other fish fry such as mullet and engraulids. Penaeid fry mainly Penaeus monodon was included in the catch. Since the suevey was brief, about 10 collecting hours for two days, and covered only very limited areas of shoreline, location of additional collecting areas, quantification of the amount of finfish and penaeid fry that may be collected in these grounds are difficult to estimate at present.

4. FUTURE PROGRAMME

4.1 Fish resources survey

The availability of fish seed resources of cultivable species is a key factor for the development of coastal aquaculture in Malaysia. The results of this short-term survey has given very encouraging indications that further survey covering at least one year will be of great benefit to the country. The following programme has therefore been drawn out.

The chief elements of the programme is the undertaking of at least a full-year fish seed resources survey for the country to start as early as possible. Extension for another year will be proposed at the second half of the first year survey, if this is found advisable. Three pilot collecting areas will be selected in the west coast and at least two from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Should East Malaysia be included, ideally two in Sarawak and three pilot sites in Sabah are recommendable.

A standard size gear, fry shore seine, should be used for sandy coastal shore, and fixed fry trap if site is an estuarine creek.

Fishing will be twice a month of four days duration each, during each full moon and new moon. The duration of fishing will be uniform, during the incoming spring tide and should be done at the same time in all the pilot collecting sites.

Collection shall be sorted quickly, identified, and counted or an estimated count made. Cultivable species can be stored and held alive to be brought and cultivated in government farms or disposed to fish farmers who can use them.

A Division of Fisheries coordinator should be designated for this programme. Permanently assigned technicians and skilled (trained) labourers should be employed to do this work in the pilot sites. It may be necessary to hold a week of training before the programme is started. For coordination of the various pilot collecting sites, the cooperation of the State Fisheries Services should be sought.

A report covering evaluation of the data collected with appropriate recommendations for fry utilization and future programme should be made after the first year.

4.2 Follow-up culture programme

As the results of the initial fry survey is very encouraging with regards to availability of cultivable fish seeds in the coastal waters in Peninsular Malaysia, culture programme to utilize this potential resources should be initiated. Shrimp culture using trapping ponds is known in the country. Finfish culture using mullets as well as siganids and scatophagids can be started. The collecting grounds for these species have been identified.

Polyculture using the cultivable finfish species and cultivable penaeid shrimps is also a good possibility. This work can be started in existing farm ponds presently used as shrimp trapping ponds.

In the Kuala Besut/Kuala Setiu areas, the FAO/UNDP/SIDA Small-scale Fisheries Pilot Project can initiate pond culture of cultivable finfish through the establishment of a small nursery unit where demonstration in the growing of fingerlings can be made. The fingerlings grown in this nursery can then be used to stock net fishpens which can be tried in the Kuala Setiu Lagoon using the design that are at present successful in Laguna de Bay Lake in the Philippines.

The various cultivable fish and shrimp fry collected as a result of this programme can also be transported for trial culture in the Brackishwater Aquaculture Demonstration Station of the Government at Gelang Patah, Johor. This station is expected to be operational shortly.

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 The results of the preliminary fish seed survey along the coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia showed the presence of various cultivable species such as mullets, siganids, scatophagids, as well as penaeid shrimp, especially Penaeus monodon and P. merguiensis. Experiments on the use of the above species for culture should be started immediately.

5.2 The collection of fish seeds from the natural fry grounds using the fry shore seine and the movable fry trap mounted on bamboo raft were demonstrated to be effective gears for this purpose and they should continue to be used for the conduct of a continuing fish seed survey within the Malaysian coastline. It is further recommended that this survey should be extended to cover at least one year and if possible two years in the areas identified plus additional areas if possible.

5.3 The establishment of a brackishwater aquaculture station at Gelang Patah in Johor is aimed at boosting the development of the brackishwater aquaculture industry in Malaysia. The station may serve as the centre for aquaculture research as well as a demonstration on the culture of cultivable euryhaline finfish. With the findings of the presence of fry of cultivable finfish in the east coast and the tiger shrimp fry Penaeus monodon in Langkawi group of islands, it is highly recommended that the Fisheries Division should start to conduct trial culture and experiments on the culture of this finfish in polyculture with penaeid shrimps.

5.4 For the continuing exploration and utilization of the mullet fry and other naturally produced fish seed resources in Malaysia, it is recommended that technical personnel of the Fisheries Division and other concerned agencies in the country be given the opportunity to visit some Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand for actual work and observation on fish and shrimp fry collection with emphasis on the methods of collection whether traditional or improved technique which may be adoptable in Malaysia. The recipient trainees will later on serve as the trainors in training small fishermen and other coastal inhabitants in fish and shrimp fry collection. This is necessary for the gradual development of the coastal aquaculture industry in the country.

5.5 As the country's aquaculture industry develops and the utilization of locally available fish seed resources become more widespread, the Government should designate specific sites as centres for the buying and/or selling of all kinds of fish seeds to cater the needs of aquaculture operators. In the western part, Tanjong Dawai district in Kedah State is highly recommended as fish seed centre. The place is ideally located. Fish seeds that may be collected in Pulau Langkawi, Perlis coast, Kedah coast, Penang and as far as the coastal areas of Perak, can easily be transported to the designated centre as it is accessible to all means of transportation. The vicinities of Tanjong Dawai district has a considerable wide mangrove and swampy areas available and suitable for aquaculture purposes. Future development of sites in this area will need a large volume of fish seed for culture purposes.

In the east coast, a site in the State of Trengganu should be selected as a fish seed centre. Fish fry and other fish seed collected in the coastal State of Kelantan in the north and Pahang State and parts of the southeastern coast of Johor can be transported without too much problem to Trengganu as it is located at the centre of this geographic zone. Similar type of centres may be selected in East Malaysia.

5.6 There are in existence privately-owned aquaculture projects in Gelang Patah, Johor; Sungai Lukut in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan; and Tanjong Dawai district and Kuala Sala in Kedah State that can be utilized as cooperator demonstration culture projects as an additional follow-up programme aside from the government aquaculture station. Utilization of these existing aquaculture projects may be arranged possibly through the initiative of the government by rendering technical assistance and supplying necessary fish seeds.

Table 1. List of fish and shrimp fry collected in coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia in August/September 1977

* Cultivable species

Table 2. Kinds of fish and shrimp fry, relative amounts and places of collection during the fish seed resources survey in Peninsular Malaysia, August/September 1977

xxx - Abundant
xx - Fair
x - Present, rare
* Prospective cultivable species

Table 3. Species of fry, date and place of collection and methods used

Figure 1. Peninsular Malaysia showing segments along the coast as possible seed collecting areas

XXX - Sites where actual collection were made during the survey

Figure 2a. Clupeoid fry (x 16) Drawn from collection from Kuala Besat and Kuala Setiu, Trengganu, 6–7 September 1977

Figure 2b. Fry of milkfish or bangus (x 14) (Chanos chanos) (Philippine specimen)

FIGURE 3 - SHORE SEINE NET

FIGURE 4 - SHORE SEINE NET

FIGURE 5 - DRAG SEINE NET

FIGURE 6 -
STATIONARY FISH FRY TRAP

FIGURE 7 -
MOVABLE FISH FRY TRAP

FIGURE 8 - BULLDOZER or SWEEPER TYPE FISH FRY COLLECTING GEAR

FIGURE 9 -
LURE GRASS for collecting shrimp fry (P. monodon)

FIGURE 10 - SCISSOR TYPE PUSH NET

FIGURE 11 - HAND SCOOP NET

FIGURE 12 -
DIFFERENT CONTAINERS USED IN HAULING, SORTING, AND STORING FISH AND SHRIMP FRY

FIGURE 13 - CONTAINERS USED IN TRANSPORTING FISH SEED

ANNEX A
ITINERARY OF TRAVEL DURING FISH SEED SURVEY

ANNEX B
PEOPLE MET DURING ASSIGNMENT IN MALAYSIA

Mr. Kouros Satrap, UNDP Regional Representative, Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Fabrizio Ossella, Acting FAO Country Representative, Kuala Lumpur

Tengku Ubaidillah bin Abdul Kadir, Director-General, Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Kuala Lumpur

Mr. A.B.O. Merican, Deputy Director-General, Fisheries Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Tan Chen Kiat, Head of Extension and Training Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Ibrahim Salleh, Fisheries Officer (Brackishwater Extension), Division of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Kuala Lumpur

Mr. Mohd. Sha'ari bin Sam Abdul Latiff, Director, Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Penang

Mr. Ong Kah Sin, Senior Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Penang

Mr. Lam Wah-Chang, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Research Institute, Penang

Mr. Ti Teow-Loon, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Penang

Mr. V. Palanisamy, Fisheries Officer, Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reform, Penang

Mr. Yap Chen Wa, State Director of Fisheries, Johor Bahru, Johor

Mr. Hashim bin Ahmad, Fisheries Officer (Co-Manager), Small-Scale Fisheries Development Pilot Project, Kuala Besut, Trengganu

Mr. J. McAlister, Team Leader, FAO/UNDP/SCSP Small-Scale Fisheries Development Pilot Project, Kuala Besut, Trengganu

Mr. G. Jonasson, Masterfisherman, FAO/UNDP/SCSP Small-Scale Fisheries Development Pilot Project, Kuala Besut, Trengganu

Mr. P. Katanyuwong, Masterfisherman, FAO/UNDP/SCSP Small-Scale Fisheries Development Pilot Project, Kuala Besut, Trengganu

Mr. Joseph Ho, Master Fish Farmer (Fish Cage Culture), FAO/UNDP/SCSP Small-Scale Fisheries Development Pilot Project, Kuala Besut, Trengganu

PUBLICATIONS OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATING PROGRAMME

Working Papers

NOTE: Copies of these papers can be obtained by writing to the Programme in Manila, Philippines.

COORDINATING COMMITTEE REPORTS

WORKSHOP REPORTS

SCS MANUALS

PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS

FISHERIES TECHNICAL PAPERS

FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Eastern Indian Ocean (Fishing area 57) and Western Central Pacific (Fishing area 71). Rome, FAO, 1974. 4 vols.

(ADB/FAO Market Studies)

TECHNICAL REPORTS CONTRIBUTED TO SYMPOSIA/MEETINGS, ETC.

Rabanal, H.R. 1975 FAO activities in inland fisheries and aquaculture with particular reference to Asia and the Far East. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 17p. (Contributed to the First Fisheries Research Congress, Philippines Council for Agriculture and Resources Research, 7–10 March 1975, Legaspi City, Philippines)

Rabanal. 1975 Preliminary report on the Macrobrachium fishery in the Indo-Pacific region. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 20p. (Contributed to the International Conference on Prawn Farming, Vung Tau, Vietnam, 31 March–4 April 1975)

Rabanal. Distribution and occurrence of milkfish Chanos Chanos (Forskal). Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme, 1975. 18p. (Contributed to the National Bangus Symposium. Manila, 25–26 July 1975)

Rabanal. 1976 Mangrove and their utilization for aquaculture. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 20p. (Contributed to the National Workshop on Mangrove Ecology held in Phuket, Thailand, 10–16 January 1976)

Rabanal. 1976 Report of project identification mission to Bangladesh on inland fisheries and aquaculture. Manila, Asian Development Bank. 56p.

Rabanal. 1976 Aquaculture 1976: Focus Southeast Asia. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 12p. (Talk delivered at the National Convention of the Federation of Fish Producers of the Philippines, Iloilo City, 26 August 1976)

Simpson, A.C. 1976 Some proposals for research related to the understanding of mangrove ecology and the utilization of mangrove areas. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 10p. (Contributed to the National Workshop on Mangrove Ecology held in Phuket, Thailand, 10–16 January 1976)

Cook, H.L. 1976 Some aspects of shrimp culture research with particular reference to Philippines species. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 7p. (Contributed to the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research (PCARR) Fisheries Workshop, Subic, Zambales, Philippines, 15–17 January 1976)

Rabanal, H.R. 1976 The resources in inland waters: their utilization and management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 21p. (Talk delivered before the Phi Sigma Biological Society as a contribution to the Deogracias V. Villadolid Memorial lecture series. Manila, Philippines, 26 November 1976)

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Aquaculture in the Philippines. Manila, South China Sea Programme. 15p. (Talk delivered before the United States Peace Corps Volunteers, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines - 11 January 1977)

Rabanal. 1977 Aquaculture in Southeast Asia. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 10p. (Paper contributed to the Fifth FAO/ SIDA Workshop on Aquatic Pollution in relation to Protection of Living Resources. Manila, Philippines, 17–27 February 1977)

Simpson, A.C. 1977 Fisheries research and development in the Philippines: Some recommendations with special reference to resource management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 16p.

Rabanal, H.R. 1977 Aquaculture management. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 12p. (Contribution to the BFAR/FAO-UNDP Training of Regional Trainors in Aquaculture. Lucena, Quezon, Philippines, 19 September to 27 October 1977)

Rabanal. 1977 Recent trends in aquaculture. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 13p. (Paper contributed to the Seminar/ Workshop for Fishery Schools' Administrators, conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Manila, Philippines, 24–28 October 1977)

Rabanal. 1977 Forest conservation and aquaculture development of mangroves. Manila, South China Sea Fisheries Programme. 15p. (Paper contributed to the International Workshop on Mangrove and Estuarine Area Development for the Indo-Pacific Region. 14–19 November 1977, Manila, Philippines)

8.5.78