WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • JUNE 2015 41 the sales of marketable oysters. Therefore, growers will be able to get more seed from the hatchery and culture oysters until market size is reached, without having to worry about the cost for the seeds. This arrangement between growers and commercial oyster suppliers by USM under the KTP is able to sustain the commitment of growers. Benefits Short term. Growers were trained on the basic method of culturing oysters and are now able to grade and sort oysters and monitor biofouling in culture trays. Growers are also able to construct floating cages and set up their own floating cages when they have capital. In addition, growers do not need to invest in feed because oysters are filter feeders. Student interns involved in this project also were exposed to the oyster culturing methods together with local growers. This gave them the opportunity to be involved in the oyster culture industry as an entrepreneur. Long term. Growers have started to enjoy the benefits of oyster farming and oysters can be sold continuously after the first 8-10 months of culture. With the income generated, growers are able to purchase seed to sustain their oyster farming activity. Oyster farming is a sustainable activity because it is a clean form of aquaculture and involves minimal investment after the initial setup of floating cages. Growers can extend their farming activities in the future by building more floating cages to increase the holding capacity for oysters. Oyster farming in Malaysia under the Knowledge Transfer Program, initiated by the Malaysian Government, has paved the way to improve the living standards of local oyster growers. This project has been selected as a flagship project and a model to be followed for the transfer of other aquaculture activities to coastal community members in Malaysia. Notes Aileen Tan Shau-Hwai, Marine Science Laboratory School of Biological Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Penang aileen@usm.my Acknowledgments The project was provided with initial funding support from the Division of Industry and Community Network, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Project No. 1002.JJIM.ARSE1001). The Ministry of Higher Education provided funds for this project under the Knowledge Transfer Programme (Project No. 203/PB/6750031). Prof. Dato’ Susie See Ching Mey gave continuous support and confidence in the success of this project. The contribution and enthusiasm shown by local growers was unexpected and thanks goes to Mr. Mohamad Ridzwan Bin Ishak and also the Kelab Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Puncak, Lembah Bujang. Mr. Romli Bin Bakar, founder of Kelab Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Puncak, Lembah Bujang provided guidance to the scientists and local growers in making this project a success. Local community members were trained to monitor oyster growth. Interns working closely with the local community members. Marketable-size oysters. A proud grower with his harvest.
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