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Members from the UM Sports Centre used a kayak to release fish at various locations around the lake to enhance their chances of survival.
Universiti Malaya (UM), in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries (DoF) Malaysia, organized a half-day event on Thursday, July 18, 2024, focusing on the release of juvenile and adult fish into an urban lake.
This event represents DoF's first-ever initiative on any university campus in Malaysia.
The program took place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Tasik Varsiti, UM, and was attended by esteemed guests, including Tuan Haji Wan Muhammad Aznan Abdullah, the Deputy Director-General of Fisheries (Management) of DoF; Prof. Ir. Dr. Kaharudin Dimyati, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation), UM; Prof. Ir. Dr. Ramesh Singh a/l Kuldip Singh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), UM; Prof. Dr. Yahaya Bin Ahmad, Associate Vice-Chancellor (Corporate Strategy), UM; and Dr. Muhammad Azzam Ismail, Director of the Eco Campus, UMSDC; along with staff from both UM and DoF. This initiative resulted from strategic collaboration outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between the two organizations in 2022.
Moving forward, it is hoped that this partnership will facilitate collaborative research activities between UM and DoF, contributing to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Malaysia.
The event was witnessed by the Universiti Malaya community and the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
A variety of local fish species were released into the lake, totaling approximately 36,600 individuals. These included 10,000 Terbul (Osteochilus hasseltii), 300 juvenile and 24 adult Kelah (Tor tambroides), 300 Baung (Hemibagrus bleekeri), and a significant number of Lampam Sungai (Barbonymus schwanenfeldii), among others. The estimated value of these fish amounts to around RM24,400, emphasizing the importance and scale of this conservation effort.
This initiative stemmed from findings in Fish Inventory Research, which identified a predominance of invasive species in the lake.
The study documented the presence of non-native fish species such as Tilapia and Cichlid, while indigenous species such as Kelah and Ketutu were relatively scarce. The study also noted the presence of Hypostomus spp., colloquially known as Suckermouth Catfish, and in 2023, Cichla spp., specifically the Peacock Bass. These species are recognized as invasive and pose significant threats to Malaysia's native aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the ongoing challenges and the proactive measures needed to preserve and restore the natural balance of our aquatic environments.
Tasik Varsiti is a cherished heritage site of the university, and maintaining and restoring the lake is a responsibility shared by the community to ensure its safety and quality for use.
The release of numerous local fish species into the lake will help enhance biodiversity and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
Research and experiments are conducted throughout the year to assess the lake's water quality and identify sources of pollution. In conjunction with this event, participants had the opportunity to engage in a brief site visit to booths showcasing year-round photographs of the lake. These exhibits feature past events such as swimming competitions and the release of ducks during the lake's opening. One memorable exhibit includes a photograph of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) jumping into the lake as a symbolic gesture of its cleanliness for recreational use. DoF also held an exhibit showcasing prohibited fishing methods in Malaysia, such as the use of fishing bombs and electric shocks. The effort to release these fish species aims to sustain and promote a more diverse aquatic ecosystem. The organizers hope that this event will not only enrich the biodiversity of aquatic life in the lake but also improve its overall quality for future use.