9 October 2007
Malaysia The popular Tuna, once almost extinct in Terengganu waters, in Malaysia due to over-fishing, have returned to waters off the state - thanks to the many artificial reefs there.
The reefs, built several years ago, became breeding grounds for the fish which is extremely popular when cooked as curry and eaten with the traditional “nasi dagang†rice.
State Agriculture and Regional Development Committee Chairman, Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee said the tuna now provides more catch to the off-shore fishermen in the state.
Speaking to reporters after lowering down a new artificial reef into the sea at Batu Buruk here today, he said over-fishing and changes in the sea condition were the two prime factors for the fish becoming almost extinct in Terengganu waters in the past.
He said the state government planned to rear the fish at the Fish Rearing Centre at Tanjung Demong, Besut to increase the tuna population.
Five artificial reefs each costing about RM1 million would be built in the sea from Besut to Kemaman.
In addition, the Malaysian Fisheries Development Board would also build RM10 million worth of artificial reefs this year, he added.
