PENANG, 12 February 2014 - Understanding the fundamental aspects and biodiversity of fish provides a great opportunity for researchers to explore further in the development of the country’s fishing industry.

Florida Museum of Natural History Curator, Professor Dr. Larry M Page said that the fishing industry will provide a great opportunity to explore and potentially generate higher returns in terms of economic development of a country.

He said that even so, the focus needs to be on the taxonomy, or in other words, the introduction to fish because it forms the foundation in any effort to develop research of greater impact in the industry.

“The full research potential in this field has yet to be realised as most of us do not have a clear understanding of the biodiversity, ecological behaviour, economic potential and other benefits that can be obtained from it.

“Thus, the focus needs to be shifted to the study of taxonomy to strengthen our research in the global fishing industry,'' he said when met at the Asian Fish Biodiversity Conference 2014 (AFBC 2014) here today.

In the meantime, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Dr Omar Osman also said that a clear understanding of the ecology and fish habitat should be increased as it is the key to the success of the aquatic life conservations.

He said that there are many things that need to be addressed, including identifying the cause of threat to the fishes as well as educating the public on biodiversity by documenting them as much and as quickly as possible.

“There are thousands of species that have yet to be studied in detail, particularly in the tropical area. Documentation is very important since it allows the dissemination of knowledge of habitat preservation and planned management of most of the species that exist and those facing threat.

“Ichthyologists in the region need to communicate more effectively, especially in developing a policy on the preservation and conservation for a sustainable future,” he said.

He also hoped that Malaysia will be able to create a special repository related to fish biodiversity as a source of reference to researchers in the country so that they do not need to go abroad to obtain information about a particular aquatic life. - Translation: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa