THE PRECIOUS TREASURES THAT PORT DICKSON WATERS HOLD
Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre at forefront of conservation efforts
LOCATED 32km from Seremban and 90km from Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson needs no introduction.
Known as PD among locals, its long coastline is a favourite weekend getaway for local and foreign visitors.
Despite being popular among visitors for its location, being the closest beach to Kuala Lumpur, it is unknown to many that the shallow waters along the Port Dickson coast hold coral reefs that are on a par with those found in Pulau Redang in Terengganu.
Unlike coral reefs in the east coast, what makes Port Dickson unique is the fact that it is one of the few places in the Straits of Malacca where corals establish themselves close to the mainland.
According to state Fisheries Department director Zainudin Abd Wahab, the ecosystem in the Port Dickson waters had contributed to the presence of corals.
“Port Dickson has been identified as one of the mainland coastal areas in the country that have coral reefs, in contrast with other places, which are located on islands.
“More impressively, the sporadic presence of coral reefs, measuring 3,000 to 6,000 sq m, or about two football fields each, is evident along the coast for 30km.
“It starts from the city centre right to the border of Melaka in Sungai Linggi,” he said.
“On average, the distance between the coral reef and the beach is 50m with a 1m depth during low tide, and 500m and 3m depth during high tide.”
He said Cape Rachado, also known as Tanjung Tuan, had been identified as the Pearl of Port Dickson, which had led to the area being gazetted as a fishery-protected area under the Fisheries Act 1983 in 1994.
“No fishing activities are allowed in the area. This is one of the ways the state government preserves marine life in Port Dickson,” he said.
However, the rapid development in Port Dickson during the late 1990s had affected the once azure blue waters of Port Dickson and its marine treasures.
With global climate change affecting every part of the world, Port Dickson’s marine life was also suffering, prompting the department to take steps to preserve the coral reefs.
“Besides pollution, coral reefs are vulnerable to climate change and the impact will be far-reaching.
“They are vulnerable to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.
“A 1°C increase in temperature can cause adverse effects on the coral reefs,” said Zainudin.
“Coral reefs can tolerate temperatures up to 27°C.
“Coral bleaching, or whitening, occurs when the symbiotic microorganism, known as zooxanthellae, in the pores of hard corals that gives it colour and nutrition, dies at temperatures exceeding 28°C .
“Slow growth and loss of hard corals will reduce essential habitat for other reef creatures. If that
happens, marine life will be at risk.”
PORT DICKSON ORNAMENTAL FISH CENTRE
To cope with the situation, a coral research and breeding centre, which aims to grow coral reefs to sustain the biodiversity of Port Dickson waters as well as other marine life, was established.
Sitting on a 0.85ha plot of land at Batu 7 Teluk Kemang, the Port Dickson Ornamental Fish Centre (PDOFC) was also set up to promote the ornamental fish industry, particularly marine fishes, seahorses and turtles.
Opened to the public in 2013, it offers visitors the opportunity to get a closer look at 42 species of marine ornamental fish, 20 species of coral reefs and other sea animals.
The PDOFC is the one and only research centre of its kind in the country. Even without much publicity, it recorded more than 30,000 visitors last year.
“The centre has been receiving an overwhelming number of visitors, both local and foreign, who expressed appreciation for its work.
“We are proud that the PDOFC has become a tourist attraction in Port Dickson.”
CORAL RESEARCH AND HUSBANDRY CENTRE
Besides conducting research on coral and other marine life, the centre is also involved in coral husbandry.
“Fragments of corals are collected from reefs in Port Dickson,” said Zainudin.
“These fragments are nurtured in nurseries until they mature, before being installed back at their restoration sites. Some are also returned to the sea.”
He said it would take one to two years for coral fragments to grow and mature.
“Coral husbandry is a popular and effective tool for restoration. The presence of coral reefs in our waters will not only serve as a filter to clean the sea, but also attracts other marine species to inhabit the area.”
Coral farming can also be commercialised, providing economic benefits to the state.
“It is not only farmed by scientists for research, but by businesses for ornamental purposes and by aquarium hobbyists for private collection.
“The cultivation of corals for commercial purposes is done in a controlled environment, without compromising their marine ecosystem.”
The price of farmed coral reefs varies, depending on their size, weight and colour.
“Heavier and prettier corals are more expensive and can range up to thousands of ringgit,” he said.
Among the coral species bred at PDOFC are Euphyllia ancora, Favia sp., Pavona decussate,
Turbinaria peltata and Favites ahdita.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSES
Besides housing a research and work centre, PDOFC offers short courses for young entrepreneurs who are interested in the marine ornamental fish industry.
Zainudin said the effort would give the Fisheries Department the opportunity to expand its marine fish, seahorses and coral-breeding technology.
“The short courses are offered to the public for free. They include coral culture and propagation, seahorse breeding and decorations for marine fish aquariums.
“Through this programme, we hope the information-sharing sessions will benefit both parties, while educating the public on the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem,” he said.