o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

MD. AKHIR ARSHAD & PADILAH BAKAR (2007)
STATUS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA &
THREAT ASSESSMENT OF PLANT SPECIES IN MALAYSIA
Commercial and Exotic Fish Diversity in
Marine Parks in the Straits of Malacca and
South China Sea
1
Md. Akhir Arshad & 2 Padilah Bakar
ABSTRACT
Inventory of species diversity in different marine ecosystems has been conducted in Peninsular
Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak since early 1900’s. Much of the work in taxonomic identifications
was made possible through integrated effort ranging from periodic national fish resource surveys
initiated as early as 1926, fishing trials and statistical data collected at various landing points.
These efforts were strengthened by regional cooperation mechanisms, international research
initiatives and grants. These have contributed, directly and indirectly, to an increase in
information on marine fish diversity. At present, there are 1751 species of marine and brackish
water fish recorded in Malaysia. More than 400 species recorded in the coastal areas and river
estuaries and more than 450 species recorded offshore in East Malaysia alone. The diversity
in the coastal areas, estuaries and offshore for Peninsular Malaysia is lower.
Improvements in diving and photographic-videographic equipments have provided a superb
documentation of information of biodiversity at specific sites especially in marine park islands
for both coastal and offshore areas. The interest in underwater photography and videography
has enhanced the work significantly. Significant findings on fish biodiversity in marine park
islands especially on rare and exotic species have increased tremendously.
This paper provides an overall picture of the Global Taxonomic Initiative (GTI) in Malaysia’s
marine fish environment based on the information gathered through individual research and
institutional efforts, including published and unpublished reports. Information specific to Pulau
Payar in the Straits of Malacca, Pulau Redang Islands in Terengganu, Tioman Islands in Pahang
and Tinggi Islands in Johor are selected for the review since extensive research and surveys
had been conducted on these islands.
The paper also discusses issues and obstacles experienced in undertaking the Global Taxonomic
Initiative and provide recommendations for more effective GTI efforts including repository
and management of specific marine ecosystems and corridors.
Fisheries Research Institute, 11960 Batu Maung, Penang, Tel: 04–626 3925, Fax: 04–626 2210; 1 akhir38@yahoo.com;
2
padilahbakar@yahoo.com
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