6,400 Mangrove Seedlings Planted to Conserve Swamps and Enhance Fish Breeding
By: Aida Aziz
TAIPING: A total of 6,400 seedlings of the oil mangrove species were planted in the South Trong Forest Reserve here as part of efforts to conserve mangrove swamps, maintain fish breeding habitats, and control coastal erosion.
The program, named “Conservation of Mangrove Swamps as Fish Breeding Habitats in the South Trong Forest Reserve,” is organized by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) in collaboration with the Perak State Forestry Department.
The Corporate Communication Unit of the DOF spokesperson stated in a statement that this initiative aligns with the state’s strategic land use planning policy, which considers various aspects, including mangrove forest conservation, management, and development of resources.
“The purpose of this Mangrove Swamp Conservation Program is to restore biodiversity and ecosystems. It is one of the programs contributing to the Malaysian Greening Program – the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign at the state level in Perak.
“The Department of Fisheries hopes that this effort will lead to significant improvements in the enhancement and sustainability of fishery resources for future generations,” the spokesperson said on Tuesday.
According to the statement, based on the department’s records, there are eight operators in Larut Matang, 28 in Kerian, 64 in Manjung, and one in Hilir Perak involved in aquaculture activities in the mangrove areas.
As a result, the program is expected to be implemented annually in collaboration with other departments and agencies, to educate and spread awareness about the importance of mangrove swamp ecosystem conservation.
“The Department also welcomes the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), higher education institutions (HEIs), and interested associations to participate in this program,” the spokesperson added.
