Penang enhances marine ecosystem with artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has deployed artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices in the waters near Pulau Kendi to provide long-term benefits for the local fishing community.
The programme is part of the state government's comprehensive efforts to protect and restore the marine ecosystem in the southern waters of Penang, where the Silicon Island project is being developed.
A key initiative under the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM, the project is the result of a strategic collaboration between the state government through Penang Infrastructure Corporation San Bhd (PIC), project developer Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), and research experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS).
PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the deployment of artificial reefs is aimed at creating new habitats for marine life while the fish aggregating structures were designed to attract and concentrate fish in designated areas.
"This programme is among the early measures of a broader conservation strategy under PEOM.
"It has been carefully planned by experts and supported by relevant agencies such as the Penang Fisheries Department, the Fisheries Research Institute and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia.
"We believe this scientific and holistic approach will have a positive impact on the marine ecosystem here," he said.
Present to officiate the initiative was Penang Deputy Chief Minister | and Fishermen Taskforce Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Mohamad said the initiative was not merely symbolic but part of the PEOM's comprehensive implementation.
"It also includes mangrove planting, fish and prawn restocking, research grant disbursement and eco-shoreline enhancement.
"All these are implemented with the main objective of protecting the environment and securing the long-term interests of local fishermen," he explained
According to Mohamad, the prawn restocking programme scheduled for this Wednesday has entered its third phase, while fish restocking is expected to begin in May.
To date, a total of 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted.
A research grant has also been awarded to CEMACS for a study on coral recruitment as part of the coral reef rehabilitation efforts around Pulau Kendi.
CEMACS director Professor Datuk Dr Aileen Tan explained that her research team would carry out initial monitoring and assessment of the artificial reef and fish aggregating structure deployment areas to evaluate their effectiveness.
The Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project is a Penang state government-owned development.
The reclamation of PSI's Silicon Island, previously known as Island A, is undertaken by SIDSB.
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