Seaweed culture and processing

Research on seaweed is mainly focused on Gracillaria sp farming techniques in ponds and coastal waters. Major areas of focus include the determination of suitable quality of agar in relation to culture variables.

Propagation in captivity of threatened species

The reproductive biology and ecology of threatened species such as sea cucumbers are being studied to obtain information that allows for the hatchery production of these species, which has commercial value as food and their perceived medicinal properties.

Development and refinement of hatchery technology for freshwater fishes

Techniques for the artificial propagation of indigenous freshwater fishes such as Probarbus jullienii, Tor tambroides, Puntius bulu, river carps and catfishes, Mystus nemurus are being researched on. Major areas of focus include broodstock development and management, nutrition and larvae rearing.

Development and refinement of grow out technology of freshwater fishes

Research efforts are directed towards the development of techniques for the culture of indigenous species such as P. jullienii, catfish and the giant Malaysian prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in ponds. Studies on the efficiency of feeds culture are also carried out.

Breeding and culture of ornamental fish and plants

Ornamental fish being studied include both exotic as well as indigenous species. Research work includes broodstock management and propagation techniques. The major species focus includes Cyprinids, Chichlids, Anabantids, Poeciliids, Characins, Osteoglossids and Notopterids. Artificial propagation of ornamental plant through the use of tissue culture techniques is also being studied.

Freshwater fish health management

Research is focused on the inventorisation of fish pathogens and their epidemiologies. Work is also concentrated at the development of rapid and cheap diagnostic technique and vaccines for the common pathogens.

Inland fisheries

Research is focused on the biology and stock assessment of indigenous fish, stock in lakes/reservoirs. In addition, studies on the limnology and experimental cage culture in inland water bodies to allow for their sustainable utilisation for fish culture are also being carried out.

Freshwater fish nutrition and feed formulation

Research is done to determine the nutritional requirements of cultured freshwater species and to eventually formulate suitable artificial feeds based on cheap and locally abundant raw materials. Present form is on the use of agro by products such as palm kernel cake.

Application of remote sensing/GIS techniques in aquaculture

Techniques for determination of suitable areas for aquaculture development are determined using remotely sensed data such as satellite imagery and maps. Suitable criteria are developed and set based on local situations.

Molecular Analysis to Identify Fish Genetic Stocks

Research is carried out to document the genetic diversity of populations of snappers (Lutjanus sp) for the purpose of broodstock development. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique is used to identify the genetic stocks of snappers from different locations in Malaysian waters.