FISHERIES DEPT TO EXPLORE NEW MARKETS FOR ORNAMENTAL FISH

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries (DoF) will explore new markets for ornamental fish in Europe, the Middle East and China to increase its exports because the aquarium industry has great potential for the national economy in terms of exports.

Its director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the DoF remains committed to supporting the industry and helping Malaysian ornamental fish breeders achieve success in the global market as the industry has great potential to continue to grow.

He said that currently, ornamental fish in Malaysia such as tropical fish Arowana and guppy are exported to Singapore as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“The new markets will allow ornamental fish from this country to penetrate the overseas market more widely compared to the existing traditional markets at the moment.

“Ornamental fish from this country are in demand from fans abroad because of their entrancing colours, but in small volume, so we must find a new way to expand the marketing of our  country’s ornamental fish,” he said here today.

Adnan was speaking at the ceremony to launch the new face of Tunku Abdul Rahman Aquarium (AkuaTAR) at the Fisheries Research Institute (IPP) in Batu Maung near here today.

Adnan said the launch of AkuaTAR’s new look is an important effort in raising public awareness about the conservation of the country's aquatic ecosystem, which is in line with AkuaTAR's main objective as a centre for maritime research and education.

“AkuaTAR currently houses nearly 123 species of fish in 19 freshwater tanks, six import-restricted fish tanks, 26 marine fish tanks, eight aquatic plant tanks and various specimens and four touch pools,” he said.

In addition, according to him, AkuaTAR's main auditorium featuring a giant tank with a capacity of 120 tonnes and a 40-foot-long Bryde’s Whale skeleton is one of the main attractions for visitors.

He said AkuaTAR's main goal in 2025 is to obtain the recognition of “Malaysian Quality Assurance” from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) and to prepare AkuaTAR as one of the main destinations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“AkuaTAR will also continue to commit to the research and breeding of aquatic species with great success in the breeding of Sea Horses (Hippocampus barbouri) which has reached the fifth generation and also succeeded in training Inggu fish breeders (Amphiprion ocellaris / clown anemone fish) as well as establishing a research collaboration with Underwater World Langkawi on Jan 28 for the Sea Horse breeding project and the production of adult artemia (brine shrimp),” he said.

-- BERNAMA