Status of River Fisheries in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 41 2010

Status of River Fisheries in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysia Rohasliney H. Although statistically the sector showed a decrease in production of 7.58%, value by 4.23% which only contributing 1.08% to the GDP in 2005, the sector is still surviving and undergone a tremendous development to the present state. These can be observed in the year of 2006 and 2007 whereby the increase in production were about 12.28% (GDP 1.10%) and 7.82% (GDP (1.2%), respectively [5] – [6]. However, the inland fisheries sector continued to be inconsequential. In 2005, this sector only producing 4,582.17 tonnes or 0.33% of total fish production (RM32.16 million). The trend showed a very significant reduction as the inland sector producing only 4,164.74 tonnes in the year 2006, indicating a decrease of 9.11% in production as compared to the year 2005 [5]. In the year 2007, inland fish production contributed only small portion to overall fish production which was about 4,279.77 tonnes metrics (0.26%) [6].

Abstract—The article is aiming to describes the status of river fisheries in one of Malaysia’s states, Kelantan. A total of 614 freshwater species were recorded in Malaysia and about 278 native species were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia. Kelantan recorded more than 35 freshwater species to date. It is estimated that river fish landings in Kelantan only contributed about 3.5 to 4.1 % of total river fish production. This contribution has been considered as the optimum level and it is expected to be in the region of 87,000 kg per year, occasionally fluctuated depending on the situation. Galas River Basin (GRB)’s case study revealed that GRB is contributed about 1520 % of total river fish production in Kelantan (average 21, 432 kg of two year sampling, 2008-2009). Total CPUE (g/hour/yr) showed that GRB is producing a very low catch if compared to other inland fisheries. Fish biomass and CPUE did not have a significant correlation with water quality because water quality did not fluctuate to a great extent during sampling periods and acceptable for fish growth and survival. Keywords—River, Fisheries, Malaysia, CPUE, Biomass

III. KELANTAN CLIMATE Inland fisheries yields from river floodplains may be high but are subject to substantial inter-annual variation according to the intensity of the monsoon, which drives flood pulses (i.e., the predictable advance and retraction of water over the floodplain). Generally, the result is higher yields during stronger monsoons. Most species that depend upon the floodplain for food and breeding sites show marked interannual variation in production. The weather in Malaysia is characterized by two monsoon regimes, namely, the Southwest Monsoon from late May to September, and the Northeast Monsoon from November to March. The northeast monsoon is the major rainy season in the country. Monsoon weather systems which develop in conjunction with cold air outbreaks from Siberia produce heavy rains which often cause severe floods along the east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and East Johore in Peninsular Malaysia, and in the state of Sarawak in East Malaysia. Following the southward march of the monsoons, typical expected monthly rainfall maximum are: Kelantan and Trengganu 600 mm (November) and Pahang and East Johore 600 mm (December). The rainfall over the area varies between 0 mm in the less rainy season (March-May) to 1750 mm in the monsoon season (November-January) which is considered as rainy season. Average yearly precipitation ranges from 2,032 mm to 2,540 mm. The average runoff from the area is about 500 m³/s. Kelantan has characteristically uniform air temperature (between 22-34oC), high relative humidity ranging from 8286%, abundant but seasonal precipitation.

I. INTRODUCTION ELANTAN State is comprised of more than 25 rivers having seven major river basins that are Galas, Kelantan, Golok, Semerak, Pengkalan Chepa, Pengkalan Datu and Kemasin river basins. Kelantan River Basin is the biggest river basin in Kelantan, Malaysia. It drains a catchment area of about 12,000 km² in north-east Malaysia including part of the Taman Negara National Park, and flows northwards into the South China Sea [8]. A total of 614 freshwater species were recorded in Malaysia [9] – [10] and about 278 native species were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia [13]. Kelantan recorded more than 35 freshwater species to date [4], [12], [14]. Fish are important ecologically, economically and as a source of animal protein. The demand for fish protein has fueled an extraordinary growth of the fishing industry in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia which includes Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

K

II. FISH PROFILE Overall, the Malaysian fisheries sector in 2005 produced 1,421,402.83 tonnes of fish (RM5, 245.68 million) [4]. Although statistically the sector showed a decrease in production of 7.58%, value by 4.23% which only contributing 1.08% to the GDP in 2005, the sector is still surviving and overall, the Malaysian fisheries sector in 2005 produced 1,421,402.83 tonnes of fish (RM5, 245.68 million) [4]. Rohasliney, H. is with School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, 15160 Kelantan Malaysia. (phone: 60179777055; fax: 609-7677515; email: [email protected])

801


River catfish (Hemibagrus sp., baung) and river carp (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii, lampam sungai) have the highest estimated production in all Kelantan rivers with average of 33336 ± 34254 kg and 52316 ± 31805 kg of three years, respectively [4] – [6].

IV. FISHING GEARS The basic type of fishing gear in Kelantan are normally portable fish traps, seine, drift/gill nets, hooks and lines, lift nets, bag nets, hand nets and cast nets (Plate 1). The type of fishing rods for recreational purposes normally dictates by the type of fishing.

Fish landing (kg)

V. FISHERIES CHARACTERISTICS In general, river fisheries in Kelantan are an open assess fisheries whereby fishermen can freely catch fishes in the rivers and lakes. This condition may encourage the fishermen to compete with other fishermen in catching the fish. However, if this habit is uncontrollable by the fisheries enforcement officer and perhaps laws and policies, this situation may lead to a bigger problem. For example, overfishing can threaten fisheries resources as well as fisheries economic. Catching too much fish will lead to an overall degradation to the river systems. Overfishing is a nonsustainable use of the inland river. Apart from that, using unselective fishing practices and gear can also cause tremendous destruction on non target species or by-catch. Nevertheless, to date overfishing has not reported in Kelantan River and its tributaries. Locals in the Kelantan River basin whose life depends on the river are knowledgeable on fishing. Their local knowledge, which has been passed on through generations, is reflected on multiple kinds of traditional fishing gears. Approximately 31, 530 (34.8%) fishermen accounted at East Malaysia [4], 8% of it is inland fishermen who live along the Kelantan River and making their living via traditional fishing. Some fishes were caught for food source and some for source of income. Besides the popular edible fish species like Lampam Sungai (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii) and Jelawat (Leptobarbus hoeveni), freshwater prawns and certain aquatic plants are also major food sources derived from rivers. In Kelantan, fish is mostly consumed fresh and processing focuses on less sophisticated methods like salting or drying. However, fish processing is increasing in many states in Malaysia to meet the demands of domestic markets or the requirements of exportations. For the past few decades, inland recreational fishing is not distinguished in Kelantan. In recent years, however, recreational or sports fishing has expanded rapidly, adding a new economic dimension to the freshwater fisheries resource. There is some small scales inland recreational fishing companies were developed to suit the purpose of recreational fishing for those who are into it. For instance, Nenggiri River which flows from the backcountry of Kelantan gives the opportunity for anglers an ideal place for fishing in the rivers in the vicinity.

Fish Landing (Kg)

2004

2005

2006

2007

88180

97950

78110

83430

Fig. 1 Estimated landings of freshwater fish (kg) from rivers in I. byCyear. ASE S TUDYFisheries OF GALAS RIVER BASIN FISHERIES Kelantan Source: Statistic 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007

VII.

CASE STUDY OF GALAS RIVER BASIN FISHERIES

A. Sampling Locations Study had been conducted in Galas River from the year 2008 and 2009 to obtain the updated fish production in Kelantan. Galas River was chosen for this study because it is one of prominent river contributing into Kelantan River in Kelantan State. Galas River originated from Ulu Galas Forest Reserve and it then divides into Galas and Pergau Rivers near Dabong, Gua Musang before joining Lebir River to form Kelantan River, about 100 km from the river mouth. In Galas River (GR), five sampling points were identified based on 1) accessibility of sampling points by boat/road all the time, 2) existing Department of Environment (DOE) water quality sampling stations, 3) existing hydrological and water quality from Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and 4) existing data available from Department of Fisheries (DOF). Four sampling points are Ulu Pulai, Limau Kasturi, Dabong, and Kuala Geris. Galas River is categorized as Class II River using Water Quality Index (WQI – chemical classification) developed by DOE [7]. Class II can be used for recreational with body contact and may contain sensitive aquatic species. As for water supply, Class II River may need conventional treatment. B. Sampling Methods Fish were collected with three-layered gill nets from May to October 2008 (N = 1 weeks x 4 months X 4 stations x 3 replicates = 48 samples) and from January to June 2009 ((N = 1 weeks x 4 months X 4 stations x 3 replicates = 48 samples). Fish also were caught using gill nets with mesh size of 1 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch, respectively. All captured fish were placed immediately into a bucket containing water from the stream and identified to species, enumerated (collectively by

VI. KELANTAN RIVER FISH LANDING It is estimated that river fish landings in Kelantan only contributed about 3.5 to 4.1 % of total river fish production. This contribution has been considered as the optimum level and it is expected to be in the region of 87,000 kg per year, occasionally fluctuated depending on the situation (Figure 1). Most commonly it is depending on the price of the petrol.

802


sppecies) and relleased back innto the stream location from m which thhey had been captured. c Vouucher specimeens were retaiined for laab verificationn [2]. These voucher v specim mens were preeserved inn 10% ethannol, labeled, and storedd in Environnmental Laaboratory, Scchool of Heealth Sciencees, Health Campus, C U Universiti Sains Malaysia (U USM), Malayssia.

TAB BLE I FAMILIES (PERC CENTAGE) AND SP PECIES (MALAY COMMON C NAME) CAUGHT USING GILL NE ETS FROM 2008 TO T 2009 Cyprinidae (84%) B Barbichthys laeviis (Batang Hulu) B Barbonymus goniionotus (Lampam m Jawa) B Barbonymus schw wanenfeldii (Lam mpam Sungai) C Crossocheilus lanngei (Selimang Batang) C Cyclocheilichthys s apogon (Tempeeras) H Hampala macroleepidota (Sebarau)) H Hypsibarbus wetm morei (Krai) L Labiobarbus lineaatus (Kawan) M Mystacoleucus maanginatus (Sia) O Osteochilus hasseeltii (Terbul) O Osteochilus microocephalus (Rong)) O Oxygaster anomaalura (Seluang) P Puntioplites bulu (Tenggalan) P Puntius orphoidess (Pipi merah) R Rasbora einthoveenii (Susur Batang g) R Rasbora paviei (S Seluang) Bagridae (33%) H Hemibagrus wyckkii (Baung) H Hemibagrus nemuurus (Baung) P Pseudomystus leiaacanthus (Pisang g) Siluridae (00.6%) O Ompok bimaculattus (Tapah Bemb ban) S Silurichthys hasseeltii (Tapah Bemb ban) Pangasiidaae (9%) P Pangasius micronnemus (Juara) P Pangasius macronema (Lawang) Clariidae (00.5%) C Clarias batracus (Keli) Anabantidaae (0.8%) O Osphronemus gorramy (Kalui) A Anabas testudineuus (Puyu) Nandidae (0.5%) ( P Pristolepis fasciaata (Patong) Soleidae (0.3%) A Achiroides leucorrhynchos (sebelah h) Mastacemb belidae (0.3%) M Mastacembelus aarmatus (Tilan) Eleotridae (0.3%) O Oxyeleotris marm moratus (Ketutu) Sisoridae (00.3%) B Bagarius yarelli ((Kenerak) Channidae (0.3%) C Channa striatus ((Haruan)

C. Resultts and discussiion A total of 500 5 individual river fishes were collecteed from alll four sampliing locations (i.e., Ulu Puulai, Limau Kasturi, K K Kuala Geris annd Dabong). T These fishes belong b to 32 species annd 12 familiess (Table I). These T 32 speciies finding aree 5% of thhe total freshw water fish speccies in Malayssia and about 16% of tootal freshwaterr fish species in i Peninsular Malaysia. Overall, thee Galas Riveer Basin fishh communitiees were doominated by cyprinids, whhich compriseed 84% of thhe total nuumber of sppecies recordded (Table I). I Cypriniids are diiscovered to be b leading fishh species in streams s and riivers in Peeninsular Maalaysia and about 1600 species hadd been reecorded to datte [1] – [2]. IIn terms of abbundance (num mber of inndividual) witthin cyprinidss, Mystacoleuccus manginattus was thhe dominant species, s follow wed by Cycloocheilichthys apogon annd Barbonymuus schanenfelddii. Even though Lee and Zakaria Z [115] found thatt catfishes are the among most m diverse group g of freshwater fishhes in Peninnsular Malayssia, this studdy only reecorded a smaall numbers oof catfishes whhich only com mprised 133% of total nuumber of speciies (Table I). The dietary habits of aquatic fauna that makee up a coommunity refl flect kinds of food f availablee in a river/strream as w as river/sstream qualityy. This studdy showed thhat both well saampling statioons were dom minated by om mnivorous (Figgure 2). H High abundant of omnivorouus fishes are primarily p due to their abbility to vary their diets. This T is importtant for fishess where foood forage is limited orr preferred food f is unavvailable. Carnivorous fishes f contribbuted about almost as higher peercentage as omnivorous. o In some case, carnivorrous fishes can c utilize allgae as suupplemental food f source when w animal matter m is unavvailable [111]. Catfishess caught in thhis study also can be classified as sccavenger that scavenges on o dead and dying animaals. In esssence, althouugh dietary sppecializations certain existt, fishes arre highly oppoortunistic andd will eat avaailable prey th hat they coould acquire nearby. n No herbivorous fishes f caught in this stuudy and inseectivorous fisshes may connsume a signnificant fraaction of the aquatic a insect inhabit the rivver. Detrivore D 3%

Total biomaass of fish ccaptured and CPUE (g/hoour) in 20008-2009 wass higher in two sampling g locations, Limau Kaasturi and Kuaala Geris, resppectively (Fig gure 3). The former sam mpling locattions has m more habitat heterogeneityy and suppported by ripparian zone aas compared to Dabong wh here by moostly the riparrian zone hass been openedd for domestiic used succh as house development. d In Limau Kaasturi, the riveer flow waas slower coomparing to upstream (i.ee., Ulu Pulaai) and occurrence of larger trees provide suitaable place foor fish habbitat since treee roots are im mportant as nursery n area for f fish [144]. In addition, floating emergged vegetation n along middlle river sidde may contribbute the sloweer water flow. Dabong andd Kuala Geeris are a loweer part of the river and are subjected to human acttivities. Houuse developm ment is rapiddly taking ov ver the ripparian zone nearby n samplling locations. Howeverr, total bioomass and CP PUE are quitee high in Kualla Geris may due to additional fish species from Pergau Riveer which joineed into Gaalas River justt below the saampling pointt at Kuala Gerris site.

Insectivore 1%

Carnivoree 10%

Omnivore O 86%

Fiig. 2 Percentagee of fish guild from fr all sites (M May to October 2008)

803


theese fishes. Disturbances D create by hu uman activitiees may afffect fish prod duction as waater become less productiv ve and lesss hospitable to the fish ass well as to many m organism ms that serrve as fish foo od source. Thhis study nevertheless show wed that fissh biomass an nd CPUE did not have a sig gnificant corrrelation wiith water qu uality sampleed such as water tempeerature, connductivity, tottal suspended, pH, dissolveed oxygen (DO O), and tottal dissolved solid (TDS). This is becaause the paraameters sam mpled did no ot fluctuate too a great exteent during sam mpling perriods. pH was ranging from 7 ± 0.4 to 8.5 ± 0.3, tem mperature ran nged from 266.3 ± 0.8 to 27 ± 0.9 oC, C and average of DO O was 6.9 ±00.4 mg/l for both year saampled, whhich was accep ptable for fishh growth and survival s (Tablle II).

Frrom this study y, Galas riverr basin is con ntributed abou ut 15-20 % of total riverr fish producttion in Kelanttan (average 21, 2 432 kg g of two year sampling, 20008-2009).

2008

Total fish biomass (g)

15623

2009

10022

4850

4296 24424

1628 1189

Ulu Pulai

Limau Kasturi

2832

D Dabong

VIII. CONCLUSION Developmen nts of Kelanttan river fish heries during recent ds that were already a years have conttinued to folllow the trend becoming appaarent at thee low rate: capture fisheries pro oduction is stagnating or inn some cases going down. There aree growing concerns c witth regard to o safeguardin ng the livvelihoods of fishers as weell as the su ustainability of o both commercial cattches and thee aquatic ecosystem from which theey are extractted. River fisheries can be b sustained iff overexpploitation of natural rresources caan be conttrolled. Ovverfishing, hab bitat degradattion and waterr pollution sho ould be miinimized and managed in a proper way. It is about tiime for thee state govern nment to look into this mattter seriously because b staate developmeent and sustainnable use of natural n resourcces are im mportant requ uisite for fuuture develop pment and greater eco onomical benefits to the people of the Keelantan State.

Kualaa Geris

Sampling Stattions

Fig. 3 Total fish f biomass (g)) caught using different d gill netts by year byy sampling locattions. Significaant at P < 0.05

Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE, g/hour)

Figure 4 sh howed catch per p unit effortt (CPUE, g/ho our) for ocations. Tottal CPUE (g/h hour/yr) show wed that alll sampling lo G Galas River is producing p a very low catch if compared to t other in nland fisheriess (e.g., reservo oirs and aquacculture).

1301.9

1400.00

2008

2009

REFEERENCES

1200.00 1000.00

[1]

8335.2

800.00 600.00

404.2

358.0 400.00 200.00

2022.0

135.7 99.1

236.0

[2]

[3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

0.00 Ulu Pulai

Limau Kasturi

D Dabong

Kuala Geris G

S Sampling locattions Fig. 4 Total caatch per unit eff ffort (g/hour) ussing different giill nets by year for four sampling locations. Signnificant at P < 0.05 0

Forest riverrs are importaant to producttivity of the regional r fisshery. In Kellantan, more forests and floodplains f in n urban arrea has been modified in nto industrial and urban activity pu urposes. Therrefore, food soource for fishees is decreasin ng in an allarming rate. Forest prod ducts (i.e., rip pe fruits, seed ds, and fo orest litter, as well as terreestrial and aqu uatic insects) are the m main food sou urces for fish. Howeverr, currently, certain diistinct ecosysstems or habiitat types also are threateened by th hese human acctivities. Waater quality is becoming deegraded ass human actiivities nearbyy riverbank and floodplains are in ncreasing. Ev vidently, waterr quality indiccated the surv vival of

[9]

[100] [111] [122]

[133]

804

A. A. Samaat, M. N. Shukkor, M. Y. Ahm mad, and A.G. Mazlan, “Kepelbagaiaan dan pengurusan hidupan liar di Kelantan,” inn Taman Negeri Gunuung Stong, Kelanntan: Pengurusa an, Persekitaran Fizikal, Biologi dan Sains S Ekonomi (M M. I. Shaharuddin, D. Taha, A. S. S Shafie, M. S. Jalil, I Faridah-Hanum m, and A. Latiff,. (eds), Publisher:: Jabatan N Kelantan, 22005, pp 253-2600. Perhutanan Negeri A.K.M Mohssin, and M. A. A Ambak, Freshwa ater fishes of Peeninsular Malaysia, Universiti U Pertannian Malaysia, Serdang, S Selango or, 1983, pp.284. Annual Fisheeries Statistics, Deepartment of Fishheries, Malaysia, 2004. Annual Fisheeries Statistics, Deepartment of Fishheries, Malaysia, 2005. Annual Fisheeries Statistics, Deepartment of Fishheries, Malaysia, 2006. Annual Fisheeries Statistics, Deepartment of Fishheries, Malaysia, 2007. Annual Repoort DOE, Departm ment of Enviromental, Malaysia. 2006. Department of Survey annd Mapping. http://www.jukn.g h gov.my/. Accessed onlline 18/12/2009. Laxamana, List of Freshhwater Fishes for Malaysia,, 2008, http://fish.moongabay.com/dataa/Malaysia.htm. Accessed onlinee August 30th, 2009. Fishbase 2010. http://www.fisshbase.org. Accessed online 1/1/2 2010. G. S. Helfmaan, B. B. Collettee, and D. E. Faceyy, The diversity of o fishes, Blackwell Sccience, Massachussetts, USA, 1997, pp. 430-433. H. Rohaslineey, J. Siti Amirahh, A. S. Nurul Izzzati, P. A. Mohdd Rezza, M. Y. Mitii Fateema Yuslliza, and , M.S S. Amir Shah Ruddin, “Comparison n of fish diverssity in unpollutted and polluteed river, rd Kelantan, Malaysia’, M The 3 Regional Conference on Natural Resources inn Tropics. 3-5 A August 2009. Hiilton, Kuching, Sarawak. S Universiti Saains Sarawak, 20009. K. K. P. Lim m, and H. H. Tann, “Freshwater fissh diversity in Peeninsular Malaysia: A review r of recent finding”, in The Asian Wetland: Bringing B Partnership into Good Weetland Practices, A. Ali et al. (eds.), Penerbitan Universiti Sains M Malaysia, Penang, 2002.


[14] P.A. Mohd Rezza, and H. Rohasliney, “Study of freshwater fish assemblages and its productivity at Galas River, Kelantan”, in 2nd International Conference Proceeding: Ecology, Human Habitat & Environmental Changes, Jamaluddin Md Jahi, Muhammad Rizal Razman, Deni Efizon, Kadaruddin Aiyub, Kadir Arifin, Bustari Hasan, (editors), 2009, pp167-174. [15] P. K. Y. Lee, and M. Zakaria-Ismail, Diversity of ichthyofauna of the Pahang River Basin: a preliminary survey, in Conservation and faunal diversity Malaysia (Zainal and Akbar, eds), Bangi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 1996, pp 113-123.

in collecting fish samples in Galas River, Mohd Rezza Petra Azlan, Siti Amirah Jusoh, Nurul Izzati Ahmad Sohaimi, Mr. Mazulan Abu Bakar, Mr. Fairuszanor Kamaruzzaman, Amir Shah Ruddin and Mr. Zainal as well as Linda Tan, Siti Zulfarina, Wan Mohd Amzar, and Miti Fateema Yusliza. Special gratitude to Department of Fisheries (Kelantan), Department of Environment (Kelantan) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (Kelantan) for information and data. Cordial appreciation also goes to Zakaria Kasim (Scientific Officer) and Juskasmini Jusoh (Assistant Scientific Officer) for lab assistance. My precious gratitude also goes to staff of Research and Development of School of Health Sciences. Picture courtesy: Rohasliney Hashim

ACKNOWLEDGMENT Thanks to Mohd Rezza Petra Azlan for helping in organizing and arranging the data for this article. Samplings for Galas River were sponsored by Research University Grant, University Sains Malaysia. Thanks to all who have involved

TABLE II CORRELATION MATRIX FOR CATCH PER UNIT EFFORT (CPUE, G/H), BIOMASS (G) AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN ULU PULAI, LIMAU KASTURI, DABONG AND KUALA GERIS CPUE BIOMASS TEMP TURBIDITY PH DO COND TDS CPUE

1

BIOMASS

0.46

1

TEMP

-0.05

0.30

1

TURBIDITY

-0.08

-0.01

-0.54

1

PH

0.42

0.19

0.71*

-0.25

DO

0.06

0.28

0.51

-0.35

0.58

1

COND

0.49

0.50

0.41

-0.08

0.87*

0.78*

1

TDS

0.45

0.48

0.37

0.07

0.86*

0.66

0.97**

1

1

TEMP = temperature, DO = Dissolved oxygen, COND = conductivity, TDS = Total disolved solid * Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). ** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Seine nets

Portable fish traps

Plate 1 Fishing gears used for river fisheries

805

Cast nets