MALAYSIAN SHELLED MOLLUSCS FISHERIES: BETWEEN CULTURE AND NATURE  

Mollusc aquaculture remains under explored in Malaysia. In the coastal areas along the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, little has been changed in culture methods as conventional culture systems are still widely practiced since 1970's. Though Malaysian consumes a wide variety of native marine bivalves, few species are cultured or have their natural stocks managed. Though the landings of marine molluscs in Malaysia have been increasing in the recent years, the harvests were inconsistent and highly influenced by environmental and anthropological factors. Due to the high demand on shelled molluscs in Malaysia, in 2014 a total of 5,775 tonnes (RM79,696,691) of shelled molluscs were imported (DoF). In this paper, the challenges faced by the marine shelled molluscs fisheries in Peninsular Malaysia will be addressed, and the potential culture species, culture methods and culture sites will be discussed.

After years of efforts contributed by the Malaysian Department of Fisheries in promoting marine bivalves culture, currently only true oysters (Crassostrea belcheri & C. iredalei), green-lipped mussel (P. viridis) and blood cockle (Tegillarca granosa) are commercially farmed in Peninsular Malaysia, supplying to the local and export markets. Various attempts have been made by private and government agencies in the past years into developing the aquaculture of new mollusc species but with little success.

The current states of the cultured and wild harvested marine shelled molluscs in Peninsular Malaysia were analysed. Anthropogenic stresses are the biggest threats for the natural stocks, while socio-economic factors are limiting shelled mollusc productions with conventional labour intensive harvesting methods. On the other hand, the farming industry was restrained by inefficient seed production, lack of new culture technology and new culture sites.

In order to achieve sustainability, several new culture methods, stock management and potential culture sites will be proposed. Pros and cons of various potential native and non-native shelled mollusc species will be discussed. More R&D is needed to assist the expansion of shelled mollusc farming industry in achieving its full potential for economic benefits while contributing to national food security.