Johor DOF Releases One Million Fish Fry To Boost Inland Fish Stocks

KLUANG, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- The Johor Department of Fisheries (DOF) has released one million fish fry of various species into public waters across the state this year, particularly in river areas, as part of efforts to restore inland fishery resources and support 1,129 inland fishermen.

Its director, Rosmawati Ghazali, said the fish fry release programme was one of the Johor DOF’s strategies to address habitat degradation, fishing pressure and pollution affecting inland fishery resources.

She said the initiative was also crucial for replenishing native fish stocks amid threats posed by alien fish species to inland aquatic ecosystems.

“The release of these fry not only helps boost fish stocks in public waters but also ensures that inland fishery resources are preserved for future generations.

“This programme also raises public awareness of the importance of conserving native fish while encouraging community participation in conservation efforts,” she told reporters after the Native Fish Fry Release Programme into Public Waters at the Sungai Peroh Orang Asli Village in Kahang here today.

Rosmawati said 15,000 fish fry of three species, namely baung, sebarau and lampam, were released during the programme.

Meanwhile, she urged the inland fishing community to be the department’s “eyes and ears” by reporting activities that could harm river habitats and fish populations.

She also encouraged fishermen to participate in the myKomuniti Perikanan (myKP) initiative to report illegal activities, including fishing methods that could damage fishery resources.

Rosmawati said that if left unchecked, such activities could disrupt fish breeding and ultimately cause losses to the fishing community.

--BERNAMA