Penang has deployed artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices (unjam) in the waters near Pulau Kendi to provide long-term benefits for the local fishing community.
The programme is part of the state government’s comprehensive efforts to protect and restore the marine ecosystem in the southern waters of Penang, where the Silicon Island project is being developed.
A key initiative under the PSI Ecology Offset Masterplan (PEOM) for the project, it is the result of a strategic collaboration between the state government through Penang Infrastructure
Corporation Sdn Bhd (PIC), project developer Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB), and research experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS).
PIC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Farizan Darus said the deployment of artificial reefs aimed to create new habitats for marine life while the unjam structures were designed to attract and concentrate fish in designated areas.
“This programme is among the early measures of a broader conservation strategy under PEOM.
“It has been carefully planned by experts and supported by relevant agencies such as the Penang Fisheries Department, Fisheries Research Institute and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia.
“We believe this scientific and holistic approach will have a positive impact on the marine ecosystem here,” he said.
Also present to officiate the initiative was Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and Fishermen Taskforce Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Mohamad said the initiative was not merely symbolic but part of the PEOM’s comprehensive implementation.
“It also includes mangrove planting, fish and prawn restocking, research grant disbursement and eco-shoreline enhancement.
“All these are implemented with the main objective of protecting the environment and securing the long-term interests of local fishermen,” he explained.
According to Mohamad, the prawn restocking programme scheduled for this Wednesday has entered its third phase, while fish restocking is expected to begin in May.
To date, a total of 23,200 mangrove trees have been planted. Research grant has also been awarded to CEMACS for a study on coral recruitment as part of the coral reef rehabilitation efforts around Pulau Kendi.
CEMACS director Prof Datuk Dr Aileen Tan explained that her research team would carry out initial monitoring and assessment of the artificial reef and unjam deployment areas to evaluate their effectiveness.
“Our team will continuously analyse data from this pilot project and present the findings to the state government, along with recommendations for improvements if needed.
“CEMACS also encourages long-term monitoring and maintenance of the deployed structures, especially during the first five years.
“This is important to ensure that every step taken delivers maximum impact for the recovery and stability of the marine ecosystem,” she said.
At the same event, 32 children of fishermen received entry and excellence awards for tertiary education under the Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) in recognition of their academic achievements.
Five fishermen who successfully completed and passed the seafarer course and examination funded by the state government were also recognised, bringing the total number of certified seafarers under the SIMP to 25.
Some of them are already serving as helmsman to support the implementation of the Silicon Island project, while others are using the skill to earn alternative income.
Also present at the event were Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman cum Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Southwest district officer Datuk Rosli Halim, Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd strategic communications and stakeholder management director Azmi Mohamad as well as representatives from the State Economic Planning Division, Penang Fisheries Department, Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, Penang Education Department and Southern Penang Fishermen Association.