A new study highlights that while wild fisheries still supply most of Malaysia’s fish, their growth has stagnated due to overfishing, habitat loss, and governance issues. In 2022, wild-caught fish made up 69% of the total fish production, but output has plateaued. In contrast, aquaculture now contributes nearly 30% and continues to grow, with seaweed farming leading the way as the largest and most promising part of this sector. The study concludes that aquaculture is boosting growth in Malaysia’s aquatic food sector, but highlights the need for reforms to maintain sustainability.

Source: Global Seafood Org

The Penang state government, through the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), has deployed 18 artificial reefs and two fish aggregating devices (unjam) off Pulau Kendi to attract marine life and support the local fishing community. This initiative is part of the Penang South Islands (PSI) Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM), linked to the Silicon Island project. It is a collaborative effort involving PIC, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), and Universiti Sains Malaysia's CEMACS. The programme aims to restore marine ecosystems by creating new marine habitats and supporting coral reef rehabilitation.

Source: https://www.msn.com/

The University of Southampton is leading a £3 million research project, known as WAVES (Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability), to improve the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia — the world’s largest producer of oysters, mussels, and clams. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the project aims to safeguard food security and protect livelihoods threatened by climate change, disease, and commercial pressures. The WAVES consortium, which includes partners from the UK, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will study the resilience of various mollusc species to environmental changes such as rising temperatures, salinity shifts, and disease. It will also explore how diversifying species and improving hatchery quality can enhance nutrition and farming stability. According to Professor Chris Hauton, from the University of Southampton, the project will map current farming systems, identify key challenges, and provide practical tools and policy recommendations to support sustainable growth. Ultimately, the research aims to help farmers adopt more resilient practices and enable policymakers to plan strategically for the future of mollusc aquaculture in the region.

Source: https://www.worldfishing.net/aquaculture/uk-university-leads-asian-mollusc-research/1501250.article