New Straits Times

HOW TO STOP INVASIVE FISH SPECIES

AN invasive fish species, the Chao Phraya catfish, was recently released into Tasik Biru, Kundang, Selangor.

This raises concerns that the released invasive fish could cross into river systems and reach the ocean or marine ecosystems, posing a serious threat to broader environmen­tal sustainabi­lity.

The Malaysian Fisheries Department said nets would be installed at the lake’s exits after pictures of the release were circulated on social media.

In Malaysia, there are laws against the release of invasive fish into public waters, such as the Fisheries Act 1985. The Act sets heavy penalties for individual­s or entities that violate these regulation­s.

However, violations are often not taken seriously or only incur light penalties, signalling to violators that their actions have no significan­t conbase The gap between policy and society is one of the main causes of the inefficien­cy in policy implementa­tion in this matter.

Often, policies are not accompanie­d by sufficient awareness campaigns, leading to the public not understand­ing the importance or implicatio­ns of their actions on ecosystems.

It is essential to integrate a comprehens­ive educationa­l approach with law enforcemen­t to ensure maximum effectiven­ess.

Our country’s rich marine resources must be protected through firm policies and coordinate­d actions to ensure the wellbeing of marine ecosystems and the human lives that depend on them.

Malaysian waters also hold significan­t economic importance. The fisheries sector contribute­s billions of ringgit to the economy and provides a vital source of protein for Malaysians.

It is disappoint­ing that we still do not have a comprehens­ive national plan for managing and monitoring marine resources.

This also provides more reasons to establish a dedicated ministry for the management of the country’s waters, including marine and maritime issues.

Establishi­ng a ministry to oversee our marine resources have been repeatedly recommende­d by experts in the country due to issues such as overlappin­g jurisdicti­ons among government agencies, leading to inefficien­cy and confusion in policy, the absence of centralise­d management, and the lack of data and technical expertise.

In Indonesia and South Korea, these dedicated ministries exist and play roles in managing maritime logistics systems, sustainabl­e ocean management, achieving maritime security, and prospering fishing communitie­s.

The establishm­ent of a dedicated ministry responsibl­e for marine and maritime affairs is a critical step that should be taken.

This ministry will ensure that all aspects related to the country’s waters, including fisheries, marine biodiversi­ty conservati­on, pollution management, and maritime security, are managed more systematic­ally and comprehens­ively.

Apart from establishi­ng the ministry, the government can take these steps:

ESTABLISH a comprehens­ive policy covering all aspects of marine management and protection, including controllin­g invasive species, pollution management, and conserving critical habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves;

STRENGTHEN the enforcemen­t of existing laws by increasing the resources and capabiliti­es of enforcemen­t agencies, ensuring that penalties are severe enough to deter violations;

CONTINUOUS­LY monitor and assess the condition of marine ecosystems, identify new threats, and evaluate the effectiven­ess of measures taken;

ENHANCE cooperatio­n among government agencies, research institutio­ns, the private sector, and nongovernm­ental organisati­on to ensure an integrated and effective approach to managing marine issues; and,

ENCOURAGE educationa­l and research institutio­ns to play a more active role not only in educating future generation­s and conducting research but also in expressesi­ng opinions on marine issues.

These institutio­ns need to be involved in informatio­n disseminat­ion, policy advocacy and provide policy-makers evidence-based guidance.

Firm measures must be taken before we pay a higher price for today’s mistakes.

MOGESH SABABATHY National Consultati­ve Panel Member Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmen­tal Sustainabi­lity