LABUAN: The Labuan Fisheries Department released 2,300 Siakap (barramundi) fry into Sungai Kinabenuwa earlier today (October 13).
This marks the second series of such releases this year, with the first taking place in June when 2,850 Siakap fry were released into the same river.
Labuan Fisheries Department director Faizal Ibrahim Suhaili said that the latest release brings the total number of Siakap fry released in the river to 10,150 since the initiative was introduced in 2021.
He said that 1.1 million fry of various fish species were simultaneously released into rivers nationwide, an achievement recognised and listed in the Malaysia Book of Records today.
He added that this initiative is beneficial for the local environment and crucial for the livelihoods of local fishermen.
"This is a part of the department's commitment to enhance the catches of our local fishermen," he said.
Apart from supporting the local fishing industry, releasing Siakap fry into Sungai Kinabenuwa enriches the ecosystem in the area.
"This practice has been received positively by the local angling community, with feedback indicating that catches in the river mainly consist of Siakap weighing three kilogrammes or more.
"The Labuan Fisheries Department's efforts in releasing Siakap fry are a testament to our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable fisheries practices," he said.
He added that such initiatives not only support local fishermen but also contribute to the preservation and enrichment of the local aquatic ecosystem. – BERNAMA