Pantai Klebang's Cockle Bounty Result Of DOF's 2023 Shellfish Stock Project

MELAKA, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The recent abundance of cockles at Pantai Klebang here is a natural phenomenon resulting from a shellfish stock enhancement project by the state’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) in 2023, which released two metric tonnes of cockle broodstock.

State Fisheries director, Saufi Affandi Talib, explained that it was conducted in cooperation with the state government under the Melaka waters induced cockle breeding project, to develop and strengthen fishery resources.

He said DOF monitoring from Oct 15 recorded an estimated harvest of 22.5 metric tonnes of cockles, a bounty that has drawn about 500 people to the area each day.

"The broodstock was released on May 30, 2023, in Melaka's waters. The released juveniles have since migrated and settled naturally in northern areas (around Klebang waters) and southern areas (around Merlimau waters).

"The bay-like structure of the sea embankment at Pantai Klebang causes ocean currents to carry and concentrate these young cockles in that specific area," he said in a statement today.

He explained that, according to a study by the Pulau Sayak Fisheries Research Institute, north-flowing tides are responsible for moving the young cockles from where the broodstock were released to Klebang waters.

A follow-up study from Aug 10 to 13 further confirmed that the majority of samples collected in Klebang were natural cockles, meaning the young had settled and grown to adulthood in the same location.

Saufi Affandi added that as the area was previously unknown to the public, the density of the young cockles had increased annually, leading to the current 'cockle festival' phenomenon.

Based on observations, he said the area’s habitat is highly suitable for the development of a natural cockle breeding ground.

He also noted a physical difference in the shellfish, describing the cockles in this area as having a brighter shell colour compared to those from Johor waters, which have a darker, more brownish shell.

Saufi Affandi said DOF is also conducting water quality and biotoxin safety tests on the seafood.

He advised the public to prioritise their safety at the beach and to follow established guidelines, to ensure this marine resource can be maintained and enjoyed sustainably.

Meanwhile, Kelebang assemblyman, Datuk Lim Ban Hong, urged parents gathering cockles not to bring young children for their own safety, and to be vigilant of the tides.

"I visited the beach area and saw many parents bringing small children. This is quite concerning as it involves a muddy area that can be hazardous," he said.

-- BERNAMA