By Danial Dzulkifly
KUNDANG, Aug 24 — The state administration is set to launch a month-long invasive fish hunting campaign in September to protect the biodiversity of local rivers and aquatic species.
State executive councillor for agriculture and public infrastructure Izham Hashim said Selangor will offer RM1 per kilogramme for suckermouth catfish, commonly known as pleco or ikan bandaraya, caught within the state’s borders.
"We expect that during the month-long campaign in September, at least 50,000 kg of these invasive fish will be caught," he said during an invasive fish hunting event at Tasik Biru Kundang today.
Izham added that suckermouth catfishes poses a significant threat to river ecosystems as they breed rapidly and dominate food sources, potentially driving local fish populations to extinction.
It could also damage local rivers as they tend to dig huge holes along river banks for breeding purposes.
A collection centre will be established near Sungai Langat, where local fishermen can turn in their catch. The river is also grappling with the threat of invasive fish species.
However the finer details of the collection centre's operation hours and exact location will be announced tomorrow when Izham is expected to attend a similar campaign at Sungai Damansara.
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State executive councillor for agriculture and public infrastructure Izham Hashim (centre) expresses surprise at the size of a freshly-caught suckermouth catfish, commonly known as pleco or ikan bandaraya, during the invasive fish hunting event at Tasik Biru Kundang in Rawang, on August 24, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
Previously, Selangor Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar expressed concern over the declining populations of local fish species, including the golden mahseer (ikan kelah), Jullien's golden carp (ikan temoleh), the sultan fish (ikan jelawat), the tinfoil barb (ikan lampam), the golden belly barb (ikan kerai), the bonylip barb (ikan terbul), the hampala barb (ikan sebarau), catfishes in the Hemibagrus family (ikan baung), and giant freshwater prawns.
These species are being threatened by invasive species in rivers like Sungai Klang, Sungai Langat, Sungai Selangor, Sungai Bernam, as well as several lakes and retention ponds in the state.
Invasive fish species including the Asian redtail catfish (baung ekor merah), peacock bass, and pacu have the potential to breed and grow quickly. Some, like the African catfish and pleco, can tolerate polluted waters.
Noraisyah said that the rise in invasive species is due to several factors, including religious rituals, the fulfilment of vows, and the irresponsible dumping of foreign fish species by pet owners who can no longer care for them.
Those who find themselves no longer capable of rearing foreign fish are asked to contact the nearest Fisheries Department directly to handover their fishes in a proper manner.
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State executive councillor for agriculture and public infrastructure Izham Hashim (centre right) performing the symbolic inauguration of the Selangor Fisheries Department's Inland Fisheries Resource Conservation Programme and Hunting for Invasive Fish Species, during the invasive fish hunting event at Tasik Biru Kundang in Rawang, on August 24, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
