BY SHIRRI GANAESH MURUGAN
IN MALAYSIA’S waters, the invasion of alien fish species is a silent threat to the local marine ecosystem.
These foreign fish species, brought in through the ornamental fish trade and aquaculture, are impacting the country’s ecosystems in many ways.
The significant consequences of this invasion include the disruption of native species, damage to the local food chain, potential outbreaks of diseases, and significant alterations to the marine systems.
Recognising the urgency to mitigate this problem, a group of dedicated undergraduate students from the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department at the Faculty of Science Universiti Malaya (UM) has initiated the Precision Intervention Program (PIP) mentored by Professor Dr Subha Bhassu.
This is a volunteer-based activity that aims to address this problem through a multifaceted approach involving technology, education, and public awareness. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]
“I believe in empowering the next generation as guardians of our waters. With the energy and enthusiasm, students just need encouragement and a platform to take charge and create a resilient aquatic ecosystem,” explained Subha when asked why she entrusted her undergraduates with this project.
The project is supported financially by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) under the research title “The Assessment of The Impact of Climate Change, Environmental Pollutants, and Invasive Alien Fish Introduction into Native Freshwater Ecosystems Through Ecological, Molecular, and Educational Approaches”.
According to Subha, a powerful tool called environmental DNA (eDNA) is used to spot these invaders and track their seasonal patterns quickly and accurately.
“This is a much faster and a more accurate way than just spotting and visually observing them.”
Secondly, the establishment of a “fish bank” which will serve as an educational hub, focusing on studying Malaysian native and invasive alien fish species closely.
“Simultaneously, the team aims to emphasise the impact of climate change and water pollution on freshwater ecosystems through education programmes and public awareness initiatives.”
She said the overarching goal is to rally support for proper management and mitigate the risk of future invasions.
The project was formally launched and showcased during the Mega Science Day Universiti Malaya through an exhibition booth that offered immersive exploration experiences to visitors.
Interactive elements like role-playing games, educational videos, trivia quizzes, and customisable figures and images were used to engage with the audience.
Swee Yueh Ning, the undergraduate student who spearheaded the development of interactive games, said: “I believe in the power of creative and interactive methods to convey complex information.”
“Games make the subject matter more engaging and easier to understand. Adding an entertainment element after lengthy presentations also allows people to interact and have fun, which helps convey the message,” she continued.
Chip Kam Weng, a member of the organising committee of the event stressed the significance of individual actions, no matter how small. “It’s crucial for people to realise that small actions can significantly impact our ecosystem.”
“For instance, when people release their pet fishes into lakes, it can unwittingly introduce invasive species, disrupting the aquatic ecosystem in a larger chain.”
“This may cause competition for resources, predation, the spread of diseases, and alterations in habitat and water quality, ultimately upsetting the eco-balance of native species.”
“This imbalance can lead to declines in native species and the proliferation of invasive species.”
“We need to make informed choices to protect the health and balance of our water bodies. It is a collective responsibility to preserve aquatic biodiversity for future generations,” he emphasised.”
The PIP mission extends beyond the exhibition with upcoming projects to continue advocating for awareness of disruptive foreign species in Malaysian waters.
With dedication and innovation, the students are pioneering a path toward a more sustainable and biodiverse marine environment, which is crucial for the preservation of the country’s rich aquatic heritage. [/ihc-hide-content]
