GEORGE TOWN – The Malaysian Fisheries Department has introduced the world’s first shellfish farming model which is expected to increase shellfish production throughout the year in the country.
The Kebun Kerang Lekir Model is expected to produce 150,000 metric tonnes of mussels worth RM1.5 billion by 2025, compared to about 16,000 tonnes recorded last year.
Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) senior director Zainoddin Jamari said the pilot model implemented in the waters of Teluk Lekir in Manjung, Perak was implemented in October 2018 and yielded encouraging results.
He said a total of 23.89 tonnes of clam seeds were landed in 2019 with an estimated value of RM3.2 million, while for 2020 at total of 1,200 tonnes of clams were landed, worth RM10.69 million.
“Between January and March this year, there were 335.6 tonnes of shellfish with an estimated value of shellfish around RM8.4 million,” he said at a press conference at the FRI, which is located at the Penang Fisheries Department, today.
“We will use the same model in other states such as Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Johor and Negeri Sembilan to increase the country’s shellfish population.”
Zainoddin said, the results of the study through the pilot project also found that the growth rate of mussels can be made faster, which only takes 3 to 4 months compared to between 6 to 8 months previously.
At the same time, he said, it allows shellfish farmers to produce shellfish throughout the year instead of just according to its seasonal cycle, which is at the beginning of the year.
In fact, Zainoddin said, the mussels obtained are also more premium because the mussels that are farmed become bigger and more beautiful.
“However, through a study conducted by FRI, the production of good clam seeds in Teluk Lekir is based on several factors such as suitable and unpolluted sea water conditions. Besides that, the growth rate of clam seeds in Teluk Lekir is also fast due to the presence of dense food sources in the waters,” he said.
Zainoddin also expects this shellfish farming model to change the living standards of shellfish farmers and provide them with an income of at least RM5,000 a month.
“This is most important, because we want shellfish farmers to change their lives and succeed like everyone else,” he said.
After Manjung, Perak, the Lekir Shellfish Farm Model is currently being expanded in Pontian, Batu Pahat, and Muar, Johor, before going to other West Coast states, including Penang. – The Vibes, May 3, 2021
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