Short Notes on Fisheries of Nanga Merit Area, Kapit, Sarawak

• Main Authors: Harith, Mohd Nasarudin, Ibrahim, Zaidi, Hassan, Ruhana
• Format: E-Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 2010
• Subjects: SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/2443/1/Short%20Notes%20on%20Fisheries%20of%20Nanga%20Merit%20Area%2C%20Kapit%2C%20Sarawak.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/2443/; http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264166503_Short_Notes_on_Fisheries_of_Nanga_Merit_Area_Kapit_Sarawak

The aim of this study was to provide additional information regarding fisheries in Sarawak especially in Nanga Merit Area. Fish samplings were carried out at nine selected stations along Batang Rajang, Merit River and their tributaries. A total of 106 individuals were caught during the six day sampling period (17 - 23 June 2009), comprising 15 species belonging to 11 genera and five families. Fish from the family Cyprinidae was the most commonly caught. The low number of individuals obtained during this study was most probably due to the effects of poisons (commercial pesticides and tuba sap) and the low water level during dry season. Fishing activities by the local community are categorized as subsistence fishing. Currently, pressures from the fishing activities of the local communities can be considered minimal but the introduction of illegal fishing methods may lead to the disappearance of some species in the future.