Kuala lumpur: The hot weather phenomenon currently sweeping the country is expected to have a significant impact on the aquaculture ecosystem, according to the Malaysian Fisheries Department (DOF) today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department stated that the phenomenon has the potential to cause an increase in water temperature, the risk of disease transmission, and the threat of harmful algal blooms, which could affect the continuity of operations and productivity of the country's fish production. The statement highlighted that extremely hot and dry weather has a direct impact on water quality, as increasing temperatures not only reduce dissolved oxygen content but also cause stress to livestock, metabolic disorders, and increase fish susceptibility to disease.

In light of these concerns, aquaculture operators, particularly those involved in cage and pond fish farming, are advised to take proactive measures to mitigate potential losses due to the changing weather conditions. The department also emphasized the need for operators to remain vigilant against the threat of algal blooms, noting that hot weather encourages rapid algae growth, which can absorb oxygen at night and pose a risk of mass fish deaths.

Based on DOF records, there are 1,714 freshwater cage operators nationwide, with the highest density in Pahang, involving 1,113 operators, followed by Terengganu with 332 operators, and Kelantan with 132 operators, collectively producing 17,744.02 tonnes last year. Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain advised operators to implement mitigation measures such as balancing stocking density by releasing smaller quantities of fry and enforcing stricter feeding controls to avoid overfeeding that could deteriorate water quality.

Additionally, operators are encouraged to regularly monitor water parameters, such as temperature and oxygen levels, to detect early changes that could affect the stocks. The use of mechanical support, like installing waterwheels or additional pumps, is also suggested to enhance oxygen circulation in cages or ponds during this extreme weather period.

Adnan further advised that affected operators could file a police report for record purposes and reference applications for assistance under the Aquaculture Support and Delivery System, contingent upon approval and current allocations from the department. He assured that DOF would continue to provide technical advisory services to ensure the country's aquaculture community remains well-prepared to face these challenges.