EL NINO: DOF IMPLEMENTS STRATEGIES TO PROTECT NATION'S FISHERIES SECTOR
Abstract
The government has taken steps to protect food security and cushion the fisheries industry against the impact of the El Nino phenomenon from May to October.
Description
PUTRAJAYA, May 20 (Bernama) -- The government has taken steps to protect food security and cushion the fisheries industry against the impact of the El Nino phenomenon from May to October.
The Department of Fisheries (DOF) Director-General, Datuk Adnan Hussain, said the strategies include field monitoring, improved aquaculture management, the use of aeration technology and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), enhanced biosecurity, and the adaptation of fishing operations to weather and ocean data.
"In addition, the MyFSI (Mobile Fishing Location Prediction System) application is further utilised to help fishermen access ocean weather information and accurately identify fish aggregation locations, reducing operational losses and fuel wastage.
"DOF is focusing on long-term strategies like the Aquaculture Subsector Disaster Mitigation Plan and the Fisheries Sector Climate Change Action Plan 2024-2030, which provide comprehensive guidance for addressing climate change challenges," he said in a statement today.
He said the plans align with the National Policy on Climate Change 2.0, the National Agrofood Policy 2.0, and the National Food Security Policy 2025-2030, to strengthen the resilience of the country's fisheries sector in facing the risks of extreme weather to strengthen the resilience of the country's fisheries sector in facing the risks of extreme weather.
Adnan said El Nino is expected to affect capture fisheries and aquaculture, mainly in areas with unusually warm and dry conditions.
Current data show that fish production in affected areas will drop by 5,355 tonnes, or 1.4 per cent, compared to overall production in 2025. This is based on fisheries records, weather projections, and the Standardised Precipitation Index from the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
"The aquaculture subsector is expected to be most affected with a projected yield decline of 38.6 percent due to higher water temperatures, lower water levels, and disruptions to water quality.
"Meanwhile, the capture fisheries subsector also faces challenges from changes in the distribution of marine resources, increased operational costs, and safety risks during fishing operations at sea," he said.
Adnan said DOF will continue to improve technology, science, and sustainable management. This keeps the industry competitive, responsive to climate change, and able to provide a continuous supply of marine protein.
In this regard, the fishing community and aquaculture operators should regularly access updated weather information, follow the department's technical guidance, and implement preparedness measures to minimise losses from extreme weather.
He said strategic cooperation by government, industry stakeholders, and the fishing community is also vital for a sustainable and resilient fisheries sector.
-- BERNAMA
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