NETS TO PREVENT INVASIVE CATFISH SPECIES FROM ESCAPING TASIK BIRU - DOF

PUTRAJAYA, June 28 (Bernama) -- Nets will be installed at the outflow of Tasik Biru in Kundang, Rawang, Selangor, to prevent the recently released Chao Phraya catfish from escaping into public waters, the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) announced in a press release today.

The DOF reported that it met with the manager and organiser of a fishing competition following a viral Facebook post about the release of Chao Phraya catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei) for the Parlimen Selayang @ Tasik Biru fishing competition scheduled for June 29, 2024.

"The organisers have assured us that nets will be installed at the lake's outflow to prevent these fish from escaping into public waters. They will also collaborate with the DOF and other agencies to remove the alien fish species from the lake," the statement said.

"The organisers have also reminded the fishing competition participants not to release captured alien fish back into the lake or any water source during or after the event," the statement added.

The DOF advised the public not to arbitrarily release predatory or invasive fish fry or fish, also known as "alien species" into public waters, rivers, or lakes.

In the same statement, Selangor Fisheries director Noraisyah Abu Bakar encouraged members of the public to contact the State or District Fisheries Office for advice on fish release.

"The DOF will also issue a more comprehensive notice to other agencies and local authorities to prevent this issue from recurring," she said.

-- BERNAMA