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Ref:586/03 |
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MALAYSIA
- Mar 10, 2003 |
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Aquaculture to Be Major
Source of Fish for Malaysia
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SEAFOOD.COM NEWS [The New Straits Times] - March 10,
2003
KUALA LUMPUR, - Aquaculture has been identified
as a major source to meet the nation's demand for fish
and the Government's target of fish production of 1.7
million tonnes by 2010.
Fisheries Department deputy director-general Junaidi
Che Ayub said the Agriculture Ministry was promoting
aquaculture.
He said there were 442,000 hectares identified as
Aquaculture Industrial Zones which have the potential
of producing 790,000 metric tonnes of fish a year.
'The zones were identified in Johor and Perak, while
the locations in other States are still being studied.
'We are aslo promoting the use of modern technology to
enhance production while looking into the implications
on the environment.'
Junaidi said the department was promoting good
aquaculture practices to avoid pollution.
'We are promoting the use of bio-technology for better
productivity. Research on the possible use of
genetically modified organisms is very low at the
moment, but it will be promoted extensively in the
future.'
He was speaking after the opening of a seminar on
Sustainable Fishing and Fish Farming Practices:
Developments in Equipment and Technology today, held
in conjunction with the Fish Eye View International
Exhibition 2003 ending tomorrow.
The seminar is being organised by the Fisheries
Department, Agriculture Ministry, Malaysian Society of
Marine Sciences and Jungle Motion Sdn Bhd.
Agriculture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abi Musa
Asa'ari, who officiated at the seminar, said further
protection should be given to coral reefs which are
the natural breeding ground for fish.
'We need the reefs to enhance productivity. If the
habitats are destroyed, we might not meet per-capita
consumption of 56kg by 2010.'
Seven papers were presented today at the seminar on
the principles of this code.
The sessions were chaired by Junaidi and Universiti
Malaya's Associate Professor Dr Chong Ving Ching,
while Fisheries director- general Datuk Hashim Ahmad
led the panel talks. |
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