| |
|
Diversity of Malaysian aquatic ecosystems and resources
F.M.Yusoff1*, M. Shariff2 and N. Gopinath3
|
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
2Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
3Fanli and Consultancy, No. 11, 3rd Floor Jalan SS2/67, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
*Corresponding author: fatimah@admin.upm.edu.my
Abstract
Malaysia is well endowed with varieties of aquatic ecosystems including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, mangroves, estuaries, lagoons and the seas. The aquatic environment and its resources form the vital lifeline for the Malaysian people, supplying them with food and water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use, medicine, energy and transportation. Currently, this environment which provides essential resources for human life is under threat which, if allowed to continue, will cease to function as an invaluable resource. Direct and indirect impacts of unsustainable economic development have caused degradation to these aquatic habitats, both inland and in the seas.
Although the rainfall in the country is high, with about 990 billion m3 falling over the Malaysian landmass annually (Keizrul and Juhaimi, 1997), water shortage is already rampant in many states. Despite numerous rivers and vast seas, the country has to import fish to supplement the domestic markets. The recreational areas such as beaches and rivers are threatened by siltation, sewage and industrial pollution. Water-based activities such as aquaculture are limited by good quality water supply and pollution. The grievances of the poor, especially small-scale fishermen, who are totally dependent on aquatic resources as their means of livelihood, are becoming common as many rivers and coastal waters are polluted by industrial wastes and sewage. These are early signals to further serious consequences of the environmental woes which, if left unattended, can eventually cripple the economic and social development of the country.
In light of the alarming rate of aquatic habitat loss and deterioration, a concerted effort by all sectors to protect these ecosystems is urgently needed. With the right approach to make the stakeholders aware of the dangers of environmental degradation, and with the application of effective technologies, the aquatic environment can be further optimized for resource and recreational purposes.
|
