Recreational fishing in Malaysia present status and potential

Abstract

This paper seeks to review some aspects of recreational fisheries in Malaysia. The development of recreational fisheries in Malaysia has not really begun even though the aware- ness to develop it is present among some quarters. Any semblance of recreational fisheries in Malaysia is in the form of a few tourist sports such as the National Parks where visitors are allowed to fish and in the Lake Gardens of some cities. Otherwise the enthusiastic recrea- tionist or angler takes his own initiatives to fish in the unmanaged inland waters within his locality. Malaysia does possess potentials for the development of recreational fisheries. Our country is blessed with an abundance of inland waters in the form of rivers, streams, lakes, swamps, reservoirs and abandoned mining pools and the presence of potential sportfishes such as Haruan, Sebarau, Kelesa, Kelah and Toman. Recreational fisheries in Malaysia can be developed to eventually reach the level of development and importance currently attained in developed countries such as the United States of America. The role of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia is also discussed. Initially, the Faculty can help in identifying suitable habitats and fish species to be developed and maintaining the hatcheries to sustain the fishery. Hence, fishery resources of our inland waters can be managed and utilized for their recreational and aesthetic values. If properly planned, recreational fishing can be made to pay back financially for its upkeep through the establishment of such programs as fee fishing lakes.