Programmes

Development of new species for aquaculture

Research on the development of new species for the aquaculture industry is ongoing. The performance of various species of grouper, the wrasse (Chelinus undulatus), pompano  (Trachinotus blochii) are being evaluated. Suitability of various indigenous freshwater fish species are also being studied.

Nutrition and feed formulation for marine finfish

Research under this thrust dicipline is aimed at determining the nutritional requirements of the commercially important aquaculture species with the objective of formulating practical and suitable artificial diets for the various developmental stages of these species. Major area of focus is on the substitution of fishmeal with cheap and locally abundant protein source.

Development and refinement of marine finfish hatchery technology

Research on the development of techniques artificial propagation for the major marine finfish species are being carried out mainly at the Marine Finfish Production and Research Centre in Tanjung Demong, Terengganu. The species under focus include the sea bass  (Lates calcarifer), various species of grouper including (Epinephelus suillus, E. fuscoguttatus), snappers (Lutjanus johnii, L. argentimaculatus).

Open sea cage culture

Research focuses on the development of suitable cage designs that are able to withstand the more stringent requirements of the open sea conditions. The approach is to adopt and adapt existing cage designs used in advanced countries. Concurrent with the development of the physical structures, the determination of suitable local species for open water culture is also carried out.

Culture of shrimp and marine finfish in brakishwater ponds

Research on shrimp/fish pond culture is being conducted at the Brackishwater Aquaculture Research Centre (BARC) in Gelang Patah, Johor.

Species under focus include the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), banana shrimp (P. merguiensis), the sea bass (Lates calcarifer), the pompano (Trachinotus blochi), the groupers and the red drum.

Research is directed at increasing productivity and efficiency and the evaluation of new species for pond culture. Major areas of focus include of pond management, proper management of effluents and also development of suitable nursery systems for fish and shrimp species.

Development and refinement of hatchery technology for shrimps and other crustaceans

Research is carried out at the National Prawn Fry Research Centre (NAPFRE) with the aim of improving productivity and efficiency of hatchery operation for shrimp and other crustaceans. The species of interest include the giant tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon, banana shrimp, P. merguiensis/indicus, the giant Malaysian freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus and the mud crab, Scylla serrata.

Development and refinement of mollusc breeding and culture technology
Research is conducted to determine suitable areas and techniques for the culture of commercially important mollusc species including cockle (Anadara granosa), mussel (Perna viridis), oyster (Crassostrea iradalei, Saccostrea sp, Ostrea sp) and abalone  (Haliotus sp). Techniques of spat collection from the wild, their production in the hatchery and transplantation are studied.