Fisheries Dept Launches eSPeKS, AquaTrack To Assist Aquaculture Farmers

SERDANG, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries (DOF) has launched two free applications, the Electronic Aquaculture Support Services Delivery System (eSPeKS) and AquaTrack, to facilitate the operations of aquaculture farmers.

Director-general of Fisheries Datuk Adnan Hussain said the two applications complemented each other, with eSPeKS facilitating online applications for assistance, while AquaTrack helps farmers manage and record farm operations digitally.

“eSPeKS digitises the entire process of applying for, evaluating and approving assistance, with all information stored in a centralised database to facilitate monitoring and the application process with the department,” he said in his speech at the launch of the applications at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here today.

Adnan said that AquaTrack functions as a digital logbook for monitoring farming performance, covering records of fingerling stocking, feed consumption and harvest yields.

“It is also equipped with an automatic feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculation function, production cost estimates and break-even point calculations to assist in operational planning.

“The platform also provides aquaculture guidelines, information on fish and shrimp diseases, as well as the ability to generate enterprise reports,” he said.

In another development, Adnan said Malaysia and Thailand had completed virtual inspections involving the seabass and shrimp farming sectors as part of the export activity assessment process between the two countries.

The inspections, conducted in the first week of August, were carried out after both sides reviewed questionnaires on the status and farming methods.

“The process involved several farms and hatcheries to assess disease control and food safety aspects, including the use of chemicals prohibited under the Food Act 1983.

“Both sides were satisfied with the outcome of the respective farm inspections. We are now awaiting final discussions with the Thai authorities before submitting recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS),” he said.

Touching on the haze situation, Adnan advised fishermen, particularly those using small boats, to remain vigilant, prioritise their health, wear face masks and monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API).

He also encouraged fishermen to travel in groups, inform their families of their location and make use of navigation equipment such as radar and GPS if visibility is obstructed.

For the aquaculture sector, farmers were advised to plan their activities carefully during hot and hazy weather to reduce the risk of livestock deaths due to stress or disease.

“Reduce stocking rates if the fish show signs of stress and promptly sell fish that have reached market size to minimise the risk of losses,” he said.

-- BERNAMA