(MY) conserve malayan carp

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Experts to discuss ways to conserve Malayan carp - New Straits Times -

16th March 06

 

KUALA LUMPUR,

--

A little-known species of wild carp, which is indigenous to Malaysia

and in need of protection and conservation, will be discussed here

later this month.

 

 

More than 150 local and international scientists are expected to

attend the " Masheer 2006 " symposium on March 29-30.

 

The ikan kelah or Malayan Masheer (Tor tambroides) is part of

Malaysia's natural heritage, said event chairman Professor Datuk

Mohamed Sharif Mohamed Din.

 

He said three main topics would be discussed at the first meeting of

its kind on a single endemic freshwater fish.

 

" We will have experts from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)

and the Network of Agricultural Centres in Asia Pacific (NACA) to

cover issues on biology, genetics and conservation methods and

recommendations, " he said.

 

He pointed out the potential of Kelah as an eco-tourism draw could

generate revenue for the country.

 

Citing the Chauvery River in the Assam province, in India, which is

known for its gargantuan Indian Masheer, he said: " Sporting anglers

pay to catch and release the Masheer in Assam. The same can be done

here. "

 

An estimated 5,000 or more angling permits are issued annually at Taman Negara.

 

Symposium organiser Ng Chee Keat, who is also Malaysian Fisheries

Association (MFA) president, said the Kelah was under pressure from

the destruction of its natural habitat, over-fishing and poaching.

Demand for the Malayan Masheer is so great that it can fetch as much

as RM500 per kilo.

 

" In Sarawak, a strain of the Kelah family known as the 'Empurau' has

been over-fished due to high demand as a fine table fish, " Ng said.

 

" To ensure its survival, we must learn more about its natural cycle

and try to breed them in captivity. "

 

He added that local scientists were fighting against time to re-stock

Masheer fry, though hampered by the lack of knowledge on the species'

reproductive process.

 

Kelah Action Group of Malaysia spokesman Bob Chang, who represents a

small advocacy group of environmentally concerned anglers, said the

Kelah had tremendous potential as a draw for sports tourism.

 

" We want to learn as much as we can to share the importance of this

species of freshwater fish, and make the public more aware of their

natural heritage " .

 

The symposium is organised by the MFA with the Fisheries Department,

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, FAO and NACA being the co-sponsors.