Release of banned fresh water fish species into rivers will affect ecosystem

GEORGE TOWN: The release of banned fresh water fish species into rivers may affect the existing ecosystem, said Penang Department of Fisheries (DOF) director Noraisyah Abu Bakar.
She said it could affect the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystem in the state and can cause the spread of viruses to the local fresh water species.
Noraisyah said currently 34 species have been banned by the DOF for release into the open water.
"All these species are alien to our rivers and can disturb the ecosystem," she said during a press conference after a briefing session on banned imported fish at the Penang DOF headquarters.
Noraisyah said the briefing was conducted to create awareness among ornamental fish breeders and also aquaculture entrepreneurs on the impact of releasing banned imported fresh water fish into open waters.
During the briefing, Sungai Dua assemblyman Muhamad Yusuf Mohd Noor said the fresh water fish industry in Penang contributed RM655 million in 2016 while the ornamental fish sector contributed some RM23 million.