UMS Researchers Record Three Species Of Spiny Lobsters In Sabah Waters

KOTA KINABALU, March 16 (Bernama) -- Borneo Marine Institute (IMB), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), has recorded three new species of spiny lobsters (Panulirus spp.) from Sabah waters for the first time, two of which are new records for Malaysia and one is a new record for Sabah.

Its researcher, Prof Madya Dr Chen Cheng Ann, who led the research, said the discovery reinforces Sabah's status as a world-class marine biodiversity hotspot.

He said the research had identified Panulirus homarus homarus and P. femoristriga as new records in Malaysia, and P. polyphagus as a new record in Sabah. Before this study, only three species, namely Panulirus ornatus, P. versicolor and P. longipes, were known to exist in Sabah waters since 2004.

"This discovery is significant because it updates the marine biodiversity records of Malaysia and emphasises the need to strengthen fisheries resource management in Sabah," he said in a statement here today.

He said the research had also doubled that number to six species, thus showing that there is still much marine biodiversity in Sabah that has yet to be explored.

“In related research, our team also recorded Panulirus stimpsoni from Peninsular Malaysia, thereby expanding the national checklist of spiny lobsters,” he said.

Chen said further research is needed to support conservation efforts and the sustainable management of the newly recorded species.

He also said that the study was conducted under challenging conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, following the implementation of the Movement Control Order and the limited access to field sites and fishing communities.

“Although faced with various constraints, the study has successfully doubled the known diversity of spiny lobsters in Sabah, including two species that are new records for Malaysia," he added.

Meanwhile, UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor praised the success of the research team and described it as an important achievement in the field of marine science and a reflection of the country's research excellence.

"I would like to express my appreciation to Dr Chen for his dedication and perseverance in successfully conducting this research," he added.

-- BERNAMA