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School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Official Magazine Universiti Malaysia Terengganu OCTOBER2015 VOLUME1 I n s i d e “FiSHA highlights include research development, activities & aqua-industry innovation”

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School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Official MagazineUniversiti Malaysia Terengganu

OCTOBER2015VOLUME1

I n s i d e“FiSHA highlights include research development, activities & aqua-industry innovation”

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

A magazine about ish - FiSH FOR ALLDiscovery Towards Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Volume 1

October 2015

ISSN-2462 1218

Advisor Professor Dr. Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar Dean of FiSHA

Editor-in-Chief Liew Hon JungCoordinator Zul-Ati HashimEditorial Board Muhd Danish Daniel Abdullah Noordiyana Mat Noordin Nor Fazliyana Mohtar Sandra Catherine Zainathan Sharifah Rahmah Tan Min Pau Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar

Proofread Yeong Yik Sung

Photographer Tolahah Muda

Printing Tolahah Creative Solution

CopyrightThe materials from this magazine can be reproduced after gaining permission from the editor. All reproduced materials must be appropriately acknowledged.

The ‘FiSHA MAG’ is annually published by School of Fisheries and Aquaculture SciencesUniversiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Official MagazineUniversiti Malaysia Terengganu

OCTOBER2015VOLUME1

I n s i d e“FiSHA highlights include research development, activities & aqua-industry innovation”

From Conventional to Sustainable

Cover photo shows the coastal community of East Coast Peninsular Malaysia - Terengganu beach, still maintaining their traditional catching techniques through generations in inshore capture-based isheries.

The community here practice suficient catch on a daily scale to reduce over-ishing and unnecessary by-catch towards conservation and sustainable isheries resources.

Editorial m e m b e r s

“a great teamwork spirit”w e t h i n k a s a t e a m

w e w o r k a s a t e a m

w e s h a r e o u r k n o w l e d g e

w e s h a r e o u r i d e a s

“ T h e p i l l a r s o f F i S H A M A G ”

- t h o s e w h o m a k e i t h a p p e n -

sandra | tan | diyana | yana | hon jung | aimi | sharifah | atf i

Why create this magazine? Why do we

need FiSHA magazine?The idea to start this FiSHA MAGAZINE was initiated by

Prof. Dr. Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar (Dean of School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, FiSHA). This issue aims to

highlight our history, school activities, research innovation and opportunity information for academicians and students.

Our FiSHA MAG also covers the status of aqua-farming in Malaysia, story of success behind their businesses and advance technologies used for aqua-farming to increase

production. FiSHA MAG will be published every October of the year. Information published in FiSHA MAG can be used for teaching and more importantly as a knowledge sharing

platform for all academicians and aquaculturists.

Form a Team - A Great Teamwork Spirit

Our editorial team members are Dr. Muhd. Danish, Dr. Noordiyana, Dr. Nor Fazliyana, Dr. Sharifah Rahmah, Dr. Sandra, Dr. Tan Min Pau, Dr. Tun Nurul Aimi and

coordinated by our Senior Assistant Registrar Mr. Zul-Atfi. They have been working hard in compiling information

to match every single piece of the puzzle in the story to complete our first issue of FiSHA MAG. Never before has

there been such a great spirit to transform all our past histories and recent activities into a nice piece of story

with photographs. Thanks to all, your hard work and brilliant ideas contributed to this magazine are very much

appreciated.

Success Starts from Education

FiSHA is only about 1½ years old, but the history of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences have started since

1979. Today, there are many success aquaculture entrepreneurs graduated from our university who are

leading the Malaysia’s aquaculture industry to international markets in both fish and shrimp products. Apart from their smart intelligent mastermind and hardworking, knowledge

obtained during their university days was a key to success. Other than business, many are also holding important

positions in universities, Department of Fisheries and other research institutions, pursuing research and educating

young generations not only to reveal new knowledge in aquaculture but also establishing stock enhancement

toward conservation and sustainable inspiration. Success in life starts from EDUCATION.

Hon Jung, LIEW

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief’s

N O T E

Our mascot ‘Thunnus

tonggol or longtail tuna’ is an oceanodromous pelagic species and among the smaller members of the tuna family that is widely distributed from Indo-West Pacific Ocean to Red Sea and Somalia coast (FAO, 2015).

Longtail tuna have a fusiform body shape with silvery colourless at the ventral part of the body with elongate oval spots arranged horizontally. Dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins are blackish in colour while anal fin is silvery with greyish finlets along the caudal region (FAO, 2015). Maximum recorded size was about 130 cm in fork length and body weight of 36 kg (IGFA, 2011). This species reaches first maturation at the age of two years old (Boonragsa,

1987) or when they reach 43 cm (Collette, 2010) with longevity approximately 18 years (Grifiths et al., 2009).

According to FAO (2015), world landing catches of longtail tuna in 2013 was 221,827 tonnes. It is one of the most preferred sport fishing candidates. In Malaysia, longtail tuna or commonly referred to as “ikan tongkol” (local name) is an important food fish especially for the local community of East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Terengganu and Kelantan). Apart from the commercial fish markets, this fish is sold along the coastal line by local fishermen in Kuala Terengganu.

“Ikan tongkol” is often served with special local delicacy called

“Nasi Dagang” (local name) cooked with “gulai” or sweet curry and served with pandan flavoured glutinous rice cooked with ginger as well as “Nasi Lemak” or Coconut Rice served with anchovy sauce and pandan rice as breakfast. You may find these special dishes almost in every street stores prepared by original Terengganu cooks. Another Terengganu’s famous “ikan tongkol” dish is “Singgang”, a local fish soup prepared with ginger, turmeric, chili, garlic and onion serves for lunch. It is healthy, nutritious and absolutely delicious.

FiSHA Mascot- Longtail Tuna

Longtail Tuna Nasi Dagang Singgang

Thunnus tonggol; Longtail tuna;

Small bonito; Ikan tongkol;

Ikan aya hitam

Nasi Dagang Singgang

Experience with us and discover FiSHA

October 2015 . Volume 1 . FiSHA Magazine

Vice Chancellor’s Letter

Dean’s Welcome Note

Professional Point of View -

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Azmi Ambak

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Sin Hock4

About FiSHA 10FiSHA Highlight

Academic Programs

Diploma & Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Scuba Diving Course

FiSHA International & National Networking

18

In Brief - Academic Research Highlight

Research & Innovation - Awards

High Impact Publications

Health & Immunology

Fisheries Welfare & Sustainability

Food Chemistry

Fish Physiology

Fish Virology

Fisheries Conservation

Scientiic Discussion

22

Student News & ActivitiesUnderwater Paradise

Field Studies 35Features

Industry Development & Innovation

Moving Towards Nanotechnology in Fisheries and Aquaculture 40Opportunity

Post-Graduate Opportunity & Scholarship

Conferences

Funding Opportunity

Job Vacancies

52

Assalamualaikum and Greetings,

First of all, I would like to congratulate School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu on the successful completion of the FiSHA Magazine. It is a special privilege for me to have a few words here on the very first issue of the magazine. As knowledge discovery is moving at a rapid pace, universities in Malaysia, such as, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and other research institutions must play a significant role in propelling research activities and innovative ideas to greater heights.

On your part as scientists, academician and researchers, the responsibility is on you to use your network to serve the country through the dissemination of knowledge and sharing of experience in a synergistic manner. Thus, I am also gratified to see that such effort in producing a magazine by the School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences has

attracted so many readers. The field of fisheries has become even more important in recent years. Emerging issues in fish health and disease, microbiology, oceanography, post-harvest, seafood safety, engineering and fisheries resources are important to maintain the sustainable fisheries.

Therefore, it is hoped that the informative contents in this magazine will steer the way forward in the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources. The needs for new discoveries in various areas in fisheries have encouraged scientists and researches around the world to meet and discuss their progress in innovation and inventions. Thus, this magazine is launched with the hope to enable and encourage extended free discussions of current results and ongoing research for radical changes towards a sustainable future in fisheries and aquaculture.

I believe that the FiSHA Magazine will continue shine in future and keep sharing the valuable information

to the readers. It is hoped that they will continue to nurture young minds and develop creativity that is much needed to enhance research and innovations capabilities and capacities. My pleasure to wish you a very fruitful and enjoyable reading.

Thank You.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Hj Mokhtar

Vice Chancellor of UMT

4

Vice Chancellor’sLETTER

5

Assalamualaikum and Greetings,

Welcome to the School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences Magazine (FiSHA MAG)! The School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu comprises a family of highly motivated academicians, supporting staffs and students who are ardent towards the advancement of knowledge in the field of fisheries and aquaculture sciences. Our school upholds the vision to be a centre of academic, excelled in fisheries and aquaculture sectors by providing quality program in teaching, research, and outreach activities that will enhance fisheries and aquaculture management at national and international levels. Excellence on academic, teaching and research have always been our priority. As scientists and academician, we are continually called upon to address outstanding challenges, committing to the communities and solve life-threatening problems. In the trenches, it can seem that once

one difficulty is vanquished, others quickly appear in its place. It is important, therefore, to pause and note where a job is well done, where someone’s life has been improved by our care, research, and sheer refusal to surrender. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Editorial Team Members on the success of producing the FiSHA MAG.

FiSHA is established to provide consistent, high-quality and appropriate academic advising, monitoring, mentoring, nurturing and coaching to ensure the academic, personal and research success especially in fisheries and aquaculture fields. Put simply, sustainable fisheries shape FiSHA day after day, year after year and their enormous impact can often be seen across generations of students. In this globalised world, new knowledge in strategic areas is vital for us ‘Malaysia’ to remain competitive and resilient in this complex and ever evolving world economy. Our school strives to

provide excellence and remains as a productive centre for fisheries and aquaculture studies in Malaysia.

With the theme ‘discovery towards sustainable fisheries & aquaculture’, I believe this is an important platform for the school as we chart our transformation plans in moving toward the next level. I am sure such effort in publishing FiSHA MAG will reveal the enormous potential and possibilities we have to offer at the research and industry levels. I hope this FiSHA MAG will be used to benchmark our capabilities and capacities in the field of fisheries & aquaculture. Finally, I hope this magazine will benefit you immensely to continue making the world as a better place and improving life quality. I wish all the readers a wonderful and fruitful reading.

CHEERS!

Prof. Dr. Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar

DeanSchool of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (FISHA)Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Dean’sWELCOME NOTE

Professional Point of View

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Azmi AmbakInterview | FAZLIYANA

Photo | MOKHTAR ISHAK

What is your opinion on the current status of fisheries in

Malaysia?

It is well known that the fisheries sector is an important

sub-sector in Malaysia and plays a significant role in the

national economy. Apart from contributing to the national Gross

Domestic Product (GDP), it is also a source of employment,

foreign exchange and a source of protein supply for the

rural population in Malaysia. Fish constitutes 70% of the

national animal protein intake, with per capita consumption

of 56 kg per year. Speaking of the current scenario, fishery

sector in Malaysia is overexploited and it is heavily fished.

However, looking at the statistical data released by the

Fisheries Department, it does not reflect so. Statistics on

the fish landings, market survey, fish price, fishing quota,

total allowable catch (TAC) per year, and size of catch are

not as what per mentioned. As we all know, Malaysia largely

depends on marine capture fisheries, in which, 90% are wildly

caught. I strongly believe that science must involve in each

policy, management, enforcement and education taken by

the government. They must align with each other to sustain

the fisheries development of Malaysia. Such implementations

could be carried out such as no trawling, swimming far-off the

forbidden area and the correct use of fishing gears. Basically,

commercial gears such as trawls, purse seines and hook-

and-line are used in Malaysia and I do not think that this

is supposed to happen here in Malaysia. Therefore, I would

recommend everyone to change the style on how we manage

the fisheries sector in Malaysia by looking at several aspects

as a whole.

Can you explain in brief how your research benefits the

community?

I am currently working on mud crab at Setiu Wetland which

involved the community around Setiu. We gather information on

the matured size of crab, the male and female as well as the

suitable size range of crab. Such information is important for

the fisherman to differentiate the crabs that are caught from

sea. For instance, if crabs caught is under size, they need to be

released soon after the catch. As we know, the range of size for

a matured crab is between 90 up to 100 mm. Meanwhile, the

ones that were commonly caught by the fisherman were around

64 up to 74 mm. Similarly, goes to those immatured and the

damaged ones which need to be released soon after the catch.

I believe that it is very important to raise awareness among the

fisherman, so they can practice the right procedures on how to

handle the crab, thus helping in increasing the production of

crab in Malaysia.

The most important reason to develop an academic

establishment is for the systematic and scholarly enquiry

into all aspects of our own work. We can use aspects of an

academic portfolio to suit a variety of different reasons ranging

from improvements in the quality of teaching practice, personal

academic development, development and maintenance

6

Director - Institute of Tropical Aquaculture, UMT

Expertise: Fish Biology and Ecology

PhD - Fisheries (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

MSc - Environment (University of Salford)

BSc - Agriculture Science - Animal Science

(University of Malaya)

of an overall research plan, informing

the development of our leadership and

management roles, guiding the decisions

on how we focus our community service

to best effect. I love contributing to the

community. To me, sharing such valuable

information will further help in the

development of fisheries and aquaculture

industry in Malaysia.

Share with us your feeling when you

were once awarded the Emeritus

Professorship

Alhamdulillah, I was so proud and

delighted for being awarded the Emeritus

professorship. Being an Emeritus is like

being a professor for life. I felt honored at

the same time for the trust they have put

in me throughout these years.To me, an

attractive aspect of being an Emeritus is

that you get to do many different activities

on a regular basis. An Emeritus will have

to teach classes, conduct research, attend

conferences, review others’ research,

mentor students, serve on university

committees, interact with professionals,

and contribute to the society. The diversity

of the activities makes the job exciting and

stimulating. It is easy to avoid getting stuck

in a rut because you get to do many diverse

things in one day. All I want to emphasize

here is that contribution needs to be

continuously supplied to meet the demands.

Always do research that are demanded by

the society.

Can you discuss your personal point

of view on the relevancy of fisheries at

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Fishery is one of the most important

sectors in Malaysia. Fish itself is good to

be consumed due to high Omega-3 and

protein. However, the world has changed

now where children prefer chicken and

meat over fish. It is indeed the fish price

is way more expensive than the chicken

and meat. But, at the same time we should

realize that is one big industry in Malaysia.

Speaking of which, the human consumption,

fish production and the jobs created from

fishery sectors have offered opportunity to

many. Thinking back, Terengganu “keropok

lekor” industry was so much depending on

Tamban fish, however, these days they have

shifted the focus to produce “keropok lekor”

from Selayang as an option to sustain the

industry. Therefore, such knowledge and

power are crucial to sustain the fisheries in

Terengganu, as well as in Malaysia. I would

highly recommend anyone to get involved

in fishery sectors especially to our younger

generations because I believe they can

definitely help in sustaining this sector in

the near future. Plus, the fishery sectors will

always shine from time to time.

In your opinion, what are the efforts

needed to promote fisheries among

young generations?

I strongly agree with the scenario that

happens today, where fisheries are nowhere

in their hearts. Therefore, it is our job to

keep promoting fisheries to everyone. I

would highly suggest the high authority

like UMT to highlight those millionaires

and billionaires involved in fish business to

expose, so that the world sees them. Fish

business is a big industry where you can

generate million ringgit in a month. In fact,

the fisherman that do hand-live fishing

earns RM500 per day. We should promote

our billionaires who have graduated from

UPM, UPMT, KUT, KUSTEM and UMT to

rise and shine. I have seen so many of our

alumni excelled in high impact business

especially in fishery sectors. Some of

them are the prawn breeders, fish meal

producers, fish breeders, fish suppliers,

broodstock producers and so many more.

I personally think it will be beneficial to

our current students if they are exposed to

these successful businessmen.

Would you mind to share a few tips on

your excellent achievement in research

and academics?

Achieving excellency in work is relatively

easy as long as we know what our goals

are. Keep working towards your goals and

make sure you give your best effort to

achieve them. Always remember that we

need to work sincerely and always start

with good intentions. At the same time,

work smart to balance your working life and

your personal life. In fact, having to excel in

research needs you to put your best effort

in everything, this includes applying for

local and international grants. Also, it will be

a good opportunity for academician like us

to succeed if we have international linkages

with others.

What are the efforts in maintaining the

fisheries sector in Malaysia, so that it

is sustained in long term?

There are three main aspects in maintaining

the fisheries in Malaysia, namely, the

science and environment, the economy and

social engagement. These three aspects are

vital to be tackled and should be focused as

a whole. In real, we do not have sufficient

data for the ecosystem studies such as

the prey-predator cycle, fish migration,

spawning area, spawning seasons, and fish

replenishments. Further survey need to be

conducted to fill in the knowledge gaps.

More support in term of funding are much

needed to guarantee the effectiveness of

this action. Government needs to work

hand in hand to make sure the policies they

implement are working at its best. There

are several other issues which need urgent

attention such as data on the captured

fisheries, marketing part, social part as

well as the boat design which involves the

engineering part. Such implementations

are not visible in Malaysia; therefore, it is

important to be explored in more detail.

What I have seen these days that most of

the research conducted was not based on

the needs. We should think of the society

needs, and then only we can start planning

for a proper research. Always remember to

tackle the needs of the society rather than

our own needs.

What is your personal advice and hope

to our young generations?

Work with passion! We don’t always talk

about success; however, we often talk about

our contribution to others. Think what you

can contribute to others rather than thinking

of what the world is giving you. Having good

attitude will bring you far. See the needs

that we need to fulfill. Money is important,

yet it comes second after passion. Work

with joy! Work with pride! Focus and

establish yourself. Aim what is necessary

for your life and do things that make you

happy. Work smart, run a good life, get

guidance from the seniors if you don’t want

to be lost in track. You need to have your

very own personal mission statement. First

thing first, try to visualize your destination,

then locate your coordinate (where you are

at) and then only you can start planning.

Otherwise, you will never plan. Do your

own life mapping to succeed! Do not think

about money, set things right. Search on

your abilities and think on how you can

contribute. These will help you to survive

longer in any field you involve in. Remember

that life is about giving, not receiving. Enjoy

your work, get the life simple and easy; and

never take on what others think of you. All

the best!

7

Professional Point of View Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Sin HockInterview | FAZLIYANA

You have been awarded with so many

excellence teaching awards. How do

you achieve all these?

It is a pleasure to have been awarded

with such achievements. I have some

tips on how to succeed, please be

ensure training is relevant to industry

needs. Do things according to what is

needed by the industry instead of doing

what interests you. Furthermore, be

open and be brave to try new ways of

doing things. Do not simply stick to one

particular approach so to make sure

your experience is diverse. Always listen

to what senior people in your area are

saying to get some insights on what you

are doing. They know better than you and

it would be great if they can share some

tips for you to succeed in anything you

are involved in. Other than that, make

sure you plan your work, work your plan

and evaluate your work to improve. Do

not stop where you are at now, always try

to improve yourself because learning is a

journey, it takes up most of your time and

treasure every moment of your life.

Can you share with all the readers on

how to maintain your performance in

academic as well as in research?

I would say it is not hard to perform

well both in academic and research. I

personally think that you should be in

touch with your contemporaries that

work in the same area to discuss your

progress. Always share your thoughts

with them so you know if you are

progressing well or vice versa. Get

access to international journals to get

some worldwide view on your particular

research area and be sure to attend

seminars or conferences that relate to

8

Lecturer/Researcher - Durack-Batavia Coast

Maritime Institute, Australia

Expertise: Breeding Biology

PhD - Marine Science (Charles Darwin University)

MSc - Aquaculture (Auburn University)

BSc - Aquatic Biology (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

your work. Work hard in expanding your

research network through the conference

and seminar that you attended to. It is

not hard to build some research linkages

with the experts in your field.

What is the academic value of your

work?

Based on my research on the freshwater

eel-tailed catfish (Neosilurusater) the fish

has very good quality lipids hence very

good n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.

It is well known that such components

are important to the fish as well as to

human. The lipid profile increases as

you sample from the pectoral fin cutlet

to the caudal section. Such information

are very important for the fisheries and

aquaculture industries to sustain its

production from time to time.

What is the commercial value of your

work?

Frankly speaking, there is no catfish

culture industry in tropical Australia

unlike in Malaysia. I am happy to share

with you that I have successfully bred

and reared the fish and it is waiting for

commercialization. We will make sure

that the catfish culture in Australia will

improve from time to time.

What is your personal advice to all

readers to gain success in research

and academic?

Always seek for advice from senior

scientists in your area nationally or

globally as IT permits one to do so now.

Always consult industry to ensure that

one’s research is relevant to industry if

possible and be brave to think outside

the box or be brave to be different. Being

different does not make you look odd,

in fact, it makes you moving forward to

succeed.

You have been working in different

countries other than Malaysia. Can

you share your personal experience

on the difference of research

environment in such countries?

I personally think that Malaysia

has progressed very far in terms of

acquisition of the best equipment for the

job unlike during my time in Malaysia

(1975-1992). Funding to buy equipment

and employing the best staff are vital

to any project, unfortunately, funding

follows the economic see saw of global

economics. Furthermore, bear in mind

that collaboration of the best minds to

produce a good outcome is important.

Make sure all these elements are in good

alignment.

What is your opinion on the status of

your expert field in the world as well

as in Malaysia?

In a nation with limited funding,

scientists need to identify common

goals, work together on a shorter list of

priority species. One achieves more on

one species than a bit about a multitude

of species. Other than that, training at

the Masters and PhD levels both local

and abroad are to be emphasized. Make

them think big and act internationally in

order to succeed in both research and

academic. After all, the best brains have

the capacity to do the best work.

How do you relate your research to

the community in Malaysia?

Unfortunately my current position is

only training and we have had a staff

at UMT come to train at the Batavia

Coast Maritime Institute. I am constantly

sharing aquaculture information with

former colleagues and the aquaculture

fraternity in Malaysia. I still have good

relationship with my other colleagues in

Malaysia and we still work hand in hand.

What is your global view on the

status of fisheries aquaculture in the

world, and compare to performance

of Malaysia

As the population of the world grows

as also applicable in Malaysia, food

security becomes paramount. More

should be done to encourage and

support aquabusiness. The aquaculture

fraternity have to work together to

produce more products for consumption.

We need to remember that aquaculture

needs to meet the demand, therefore,

let us all try to work hard in supporting

the aquabusiness to shine. This will

help a lot in job vacancy for instance,

thus contributing to the increment of

economic status in Malaysia.

What is your point of view about

Malaysia fisheries/aquaculture

status to meet global/international

standard?

I would say that companies have started

and gone bankrupt for a variety of

reasons. Aquaculturists who have a good

head on economics need to play a major

role as aquaculture is more than just

growing fish but growing fish for a profit.

As such, management of fish farms

need to have personnel strong in both

technical and economics expertise.

To what extent Malaysia fisheries/

aquaculture should be improved?

Which direction Malaysian

aquaculturists should focus on?

Fish health is of great concern as one

may be able to produce a product but

if it falls sick just before marketing, all

the effort is lost. Other than that, seed

production has always been a challenge

so nor may energy have to be put into

seed production. Fish nutrition is another

major area, so new feed ingredients

should be tried to enhance aquaculture

production. We have a new generation

of fisheries/aquaculture specialists in

Malaysia and it is hoped that they can

work together cohesively to give us more

good news for the country. I strongly

believe that working together as a team

will lead more to success rather than

working on our own. All the best to

everyone!

9

About FiSHA Authors | Tun Nurul Aimi

| Noordiyana | Rumeaida

Photos | Archive PPDSNZ

UMT History

The history of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu begun in 1979

in Mengabang Telipot, Kuala Terengganu. Started as a Fisheries and Marine Science Station of the

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), this station provided training facilities for

the final year students of Fisheries and Marine Science Program as well

as research facilities for academic staff.

The restructuring of UPM in 1996 affected the entire Faculty of

Fisheries and Marine Science (PPSS) being centered in Kuala Terengganu.

The relocation of the PPSS, UPM from Serdang to Mengabang Telipot,

Kuala Terengganu gave rise to a new UPM branch campus, named

Universiti Putra Malaysia Terengganu (UPMT). The faculty name was

then changed to Faculty of Applied Science and Technology and also

formed at the branch campus were the Faculty of Science and

Professional Art and Matriculation Centre.

UPMT was then upgraded to a university college status by the

Minister of Education in 1999. This is in conjunction with the increasing

number of its students and academic staffs reaching more than 2000

and 100 respectively. UPMT was temporarily named as Kolej Universiti

Terengganu (KUT). In semester May 2000/2001, KUT has enrolled 823

new students in 19 different degree programs.

Former Sultan of

Terengganu Ibni

Almarhum Sultan

Mahmud Al-Muktai

Billah Shah oficiated

the opening of the

UPM Campus in

MengabangTelipot,

Terengganu in 1981

KUT Library in 2000

Marine hatchery in 80’s

Fisheries and Marine

Science Station in 70’s

10

About FiSHAIn 2001, KUT was given an

autonomous power to become a public institution of higher education learning

in Malaysia. It was oficially named as Kolej Universiti of Science and

Technology Malaysia (KUSTEM), and had the honour of the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan

Zainal Abidin, Sultan of Terengganu being appointed as the irst Chancellor. The oficial mandate by the government

was for KUSTEM to focus its training and research in the areas of Science,

Technology and Natural Resource Management due to its geographical

location, environmental uniqueness and its campus on the coast of

South China Sea.

Handling over of UPM

assets to KUSTEM on

19th of May 2001

Faculty of Fisheries and

Marine Science in 90’s

First research vessel of

Fisheries and Marine

Science Station

(Unipertama II)

List of

Rectors

&

Vice Chancellors

11

1st Rector of KUSTEMProf. Dato’ Dr. Mahyuddin Mohd. Dahan

3rd Vice Chancellor of UMTProf. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Ibrahim Komoo

2nd Vice Chancellor of UMTProf. Dato’ Dr. Aziz Deraman

2nd Rector of KUSTEM1st Vice Chancellor of UMT

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Sulaiman Mohd. Yassin

4th Vice Chancellor of UMTProf. Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Hj. Mokhtar

AboutFiSHAOn 1st February 2007, KUSTEM

succeeded in attaining a full university status and renamed

once again as Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) by the Minister of Higher Education Learning Malaysia. Since then, UMT have continued to

develop the university, infrastructure, leadership and talent to become the premier marine-focused university in

the Asia Pacific region.

Main entrance in 2000Main entrance in 90’s

Appointment of Duli

Yang Maha Mulia, Al-

Wathiqu Billah, Tuanku

Mizan Zainal Abidin as

UMT’s irst Chancellor

in 2001

Flashback from UPMT to UMT

12

STUDENTS ACTIVITIES IN 80’s

Matahari Expedition

in 1986; A study of

the offshore waters of

Malaysian Exclusive

Economic Zone (EEZ)

Lecturers and students

of PPSS in 80’s. Also

seen in the photo is

Prof. Emeritus Dr.

Mohd Azmi Ambak

(left) who is currently

the Director of

AKUATROP, UMT

Practical session in

80’s

Students of PPSS

during their practical

session in 80’s. Also

seen in the photo is

Prof. Dr. Abol Munai

(front row; 3rd from

left) which is currently

the Deputy Dean

(Academic and Student

Affairs) of FiSHA

Campus of UMT nowadays

Student’s

transportation for ield

trip in 80’s

About FiSHA

13

TEACHING AND

DEVELOPMENT

During these years, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology

under UPM and then KUT, has so far only focused on increasing human

resources in science of capture fisheries through the program Bachelor of Applied Fisheries

Sciences and a Diploma of Fisheries. In line with the development of aquaculture industry, program of Bachelor of Agrotechnology

Sciences (Aquaculture) were offered in the year 2000.

All three programs related to fishery field were then offered by

the Faculty of Agrotechnology and Food Science (2003), however to

further strengthen the teaching and learning development of fisheries and aquaculture field, Faculty of

Fisheries and Aqua - Industry ( FPAI ) was established on 1st January 2012. Various programs have been drafted

under the new FPAI and evaluation of existing programs has been carried out by experts and academics from

Malaysia and abroad. The academic program enhancement program

was then implemented under the establishment of the School of

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences in 2014 in line with the transformation

of academic programs in Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu.

Fisheries Biosystem

Lab

Anatomy and

Physiology Lab

Fisheries Technology

Lab

Aquatic Organism

Health Lab

Food Technology/Fish

Processing Lab

AboutFiSHA

14

FACILITIES

Excellence in academic and teaching in fisheries and aquaculture has always been our priority here in

FiSHA. To disseminate known knowledge in these areas to our

students, FiSHA has increase the numbers of teaching laboratories in the field of fishing technology,

bio-informatics, fish breeding, larval rearing, fish diseases, nutrition,

live food culture and many more in 2012. Along with the laboratories,

to provide hands-on training in aquaculture field, two well equipped hatcheries were developed to focus

on freshwater and marine culture.

For fisheries students, field trips are inevitable to strengthen their

knowledge and enhance awareness of real life situation in fisheries field. UMT owned a number of research stations that have been used often

by FiSHA students. Pulau Bidong Research Station, for example, has

ample of facilities suitable for days of teaching and learning activities. The

rich diversity of the surrounding areas also provide the avenue for FiSHA

students to learn about biodiversity of coral reef and reef fishes, marine water quality assessment, changes of coastal profiles and many more.

Pulau Bidong is also used as a centre for open water

diving course.

Fish Feed Management

Lab

General Analytical Lab

Fisheries Science Lab

Aquarium Unit and

Aquatic Organism

Hatchery

Bidong Island

Research Station

About FiSHA

15

List of DEANS

Prof. Dr. Sayed

Mohamed Zain bin

Sayed Hassan

2003 - 2012

Faculty of

Agrotechnology

and Food Science,

KUSTEM & UMT

Prof. Dr. Abol Munai

bin Ambok Bolong

2012 - 2014

Faculty of Fisheries and

Aqua-Industry, UMT

Prof. Dr. Mazlan

Abd. Ghaffar

2014 - Present

School of Fisheries and

Aquaculture Sciences,

UMT

Prof. Emeritus Dr.

Mohd Azmi bin Ambak

1996 - 2003

Faculty of Fisheries and

Marine Science, UPM/

Faculty of Science and

Technology, KUT &

KUSTEM

AboutFiSHA

2003

1996

2014

2012

Present

2014

2012

2003

16

STUDENTS ENROLMENT

Throughout the years, the number of fisheries and aquaculture students graduated from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu has increased tremendously, reflecting their popularity and high demands. Starting with just two students in Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) in 1996, the number has rocketed to 2853 total graduates with contribution from two other main courses including Diploma in Fisheries and Bachelor of Science in Agrotechnology (Aquaculture) in 2012.

About FiSHA

Nu

mb

er o

f G

ra

du

ate

s (Cu

mul

aive

)

Year of Graduaion

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

2 6

124

321

568

884

1371

1806

2309

2853

17

FiSHAHighlightAuthor | TAN MIN PAU

The School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences was established on December 1st, 2013, in line with the academic transformation of the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The academic program are designed towards producing skilled personnel in the field of fisheries and aquaculture to meet the needs of the industry. The school offers various levels of fisheries and aquaculture program which combine science, technology, management and entrepreneurship that will produce globally competitive graduates. All of the programs are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the contents are revised periodically according to the needs of the industry.

The program are as follows:

1. Undergraduate programs

a) Diploma in Fisheriesb) Bachelor of Applied Science

(Fisheries)c) Bachelor of Science in

Agrotechnology (Aquaculture)

2. Postgraduate programs

a) By Coursework

i. Master of Science in Aquaculture

ii. Master of Science in Sustainable Tropical Fisheries

b) By Research

i. Master of Scienceii. Doctor of Philosophy

Offering programs in the field of fisheries and aquaculture is a pragmatic step towards upgrading the level and quality of fisheries and aquaculture industry in Malaysia. The school aims to develop manpower in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, that are competitive, have high self-esteem and virtuous to meet the needs of the workforce.

The school will be able to play its role in the aspect of mastery of various knowledge and skills in applied science and agrotechnology, teaching and learning, through approaches, methods and recent findings in line with government policy and the

aspirations of the people.

ACADEMIC

PROGRAMS

Undergraduate

Program

Diploma in Fisheries is the oldest program in UMT and was the legacy program from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). There are only two higher learning institutes in Malaysia that offer program Diploma in Fisheries, i.e. UMT and UPM Bintulu, Sarawak. Our Diploma in Fisheries is a policy program in the field of sustainable fisheries aims to produce graduates who are competitive and able to provide knowledge and educational infrastructure that can be used to disseminate and apply innovative knowledge. This program is sought to be a catalyst for the development of human capital and operation sustainable environment.

The program produces qualified graduates to pursue higher degree at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu or any other institution of higher learning.

The most unique features of this program is that the students who obtain excellent result will earn an opportunity to complete their study until Master level within a period of time, i.e. 5 years (2+2+1) starting from Diploma-Bachelor-Master.

In 2015, we received a total of 133 new students who will join their seniors in this thrilling university life experience.

Meanwhile, both the Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) and Bachelor of Science in Agrotechnology (Aquaculture)

programs aim to produce knowledgeable and skillful graduates in the aspects of fisheries in general, and aquaculture in particular who are competent, outstanding, professional, possess entrepreneur skill and catalyze the progressive development of human capital as well as environmental sustainability in the aquaculture

sectors and products.

18

FiSHAHighlightAuthor | TAN MIN PAU

Postgraduate

Program

Programs by

Coursework

Program by coursework in UMT require the student to attend lectures/ coursework minimum of 40 credits and a minimum study period of 3 semesters within 1 or 1½ year. Master of Science in Aquaculture is designed for candidates who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in aquaculture and prepares them to be an expert in aquaculture industry. The course period is 2 semesters and to be completed in 1 year.

Our new program – Master of Science in Sustainable Tropical Fisheries is an international study program inspired by Professor Dr. Tatsuro Matsuoka, Dean of Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University, Japan in conjunction to his vision to establish a postgraduate program on tropical fisheries with international linkages which aims to provide a higher education system with local regulations yet fulfilling global standard. The international linkages involve five universities of different countries, i.e. Kagoshima University, Japan, Kasetsart University, Thailand, University of Philippines Visayas, Philippines, Sam Ratulangi University, Indonesia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia.

The objective of the program is to support the development of fisheries industry by producing more experts who are competent, competitive, professional and ethical. Our graduates will be skillful, highly knowledgeable, gain experience with the industry, social and culture of other countries (involved in this program) that can be applied to contribute towards a sustainable and high-income national fisheries sector. It is a three semester program to be completed within 1½ year and will be offered starting September 2015.

Programs by Research

Master of Science (MSc.)/ Doctor of

Philosophy (Ph.D)

Programs by research (MSc. and Ph.D) emphasize mostly on research as the major requirement for attaining the degrees. While there is no specific number of credits required for graduation, students are required to enroll some courses to strengthen their knowledge base. They are also required to participate in academic discussions and seminar presentations. At the end of the programs, they are required to submit a thesis to the Thesis Examination Committee as a significant contribution to the knowledge mastered in the chosen field (Table 1).

In UMT, FiSHA is among the schools that produce the highest number of postgraduate students. Up to date, we have produced 24 and 65 active/ graduated Ph.D and MSc. students in the research mode, and this year alone, we have received new registration of 5 and 23 Ph.D and MSc. candidates, respectively.

Field of study and the specialization in MSc. and Ph.D programs

No. Field of study Specialization

1. Aquaculture

Science

1. Genetic and Breeding

2. Aquaculture Biotechnology

3. Aquaculture Nutrition

4. Aquaculture Health

5. Aquaculture System and Technology

6. Hatchery Technology

7. Aquaculture Engineering

2. Fisheries

Science

1. Ichthyology and Fisheries Systems

2. Fish Population Dynamic

3. Post Harvest Fisheries

4. Fisheries Biotechnology

5. Fishing Technology

6. Inland Fisheries

7. Fisheries Oceanography

8. Fish Health

9. Fisheries Conservation and Management

10. Fisheries Ecology

11. Fisheries Biostatistics

12. Molecular Ecology and Fish Genetic

13. Fisheries Microbiology

14. Fish Physiology

15. Fisheries Economy

19

FiSHAHighlightIn our effort to internationalize the lifelong learning process, several universities and industries have agreed upon a joint academic and research collaborations to promote international intellectual exchanges

intended to educate students, school members and administrators of both parties. Most collaborations involve the exchange of teaching and research personnel, exchange students, collaboration in research

projects, joint research publication, organizing of workshop, symposia and other academic activities. The universities and industry partners are:

MOU (University)

- Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkhla

University, Thailand

- Kasetsart University, Thailand

- Cantho University, Vietnam

- Nong Lam University – Ho Chin Minh City, Vietnam

- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Universitas Airlangga, Indone-

sia

- Kagoshima University, Japan

- National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan

- University of the Philippines Visayas, Philippines

- Sam Ratulangi University, Indonesia

MOU (industrial partner)

- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Taiwan

- Bukit Merah Arowana Village Sdn. Bhd.

- Lafarge Cement SDN BHD and The Andaman, A Luxury Col-

lection Resort, Langkawi

- Department of Fisheries, Malaysia

International university and institute link-

ages - Ghent University, Belgium

- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa, India

- Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom

- Alexandra University, Egypt

- Bangor University, UK

- Bung Hatta University, Indonesia

- Cambridge University, London

- Dalhousie University, Canada

- Hasanuddin Universitas, Indonesia

- Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Nigeria

- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, UK

- James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

- Kuwait Institute for Scienetiic Research, kuwait

- Kyoto University, Japan

- Murdoch University, Australia

- National University of Singapore, Singapore

- Quebec Univesrsity (Rimouski), Canada

- Rajshahi University, Bangladesh

- Simon Fraser University, Canada

- Soka University, Japan

- Tianjin Agricultural University, China

- University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

- University of East Anglia, UK

- University of Hadhramout, Yemen

- University of North Wales, Bangor, UK

- University of Rhode Island, USA

- University of South Brittany, France

- Zoologisk Institutt, Universitetet I Bergen, Norway

- Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany

- Antofagasta University, Chile

- Auburn University, USA

- Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh

- Kinki University, Japan

- Korea Polar Research Institute, Korea

- Michigan StateUniveristy, USA

- Nha Trang University, Vietnam

- Oregon State University, USA

- Shanghai Ocean University, China

- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Maryland, USA

- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

- Southern Cross University, Australia

- Stellenbosch University, South Africa

- Toronto University, Canada

- University of Antwerp, Belgium

- University of Auckland, New Zealand

- University of Connecticut Health Center, USA

- University of Massey, New Zealand

- University of Messina, Italy

- University of Miami, USA

- University of Pannonia, Hungary

- University of Porto, Portugal

- University of St. Andrews, UK

- Wageningen University, The Netherlands

20

Legends:

F iSHAHighlight

Underwater activities during diving lesson

Know your scuba diving equipments class lead by Mr. Baharim Mustapa, FiSHA Science Oficer/ SDI Instructor

SCUBA

DIVING

COURSE

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (FiSHA) and Revolution of Fisheries Club (REVOF) with the collaboration from Harum Serantau Company had successfully organized an Open Water Scuba Diving License Program especially for interested Diploma Fisheries students. Two series of program were held; (i) series 1 from 4-7 June 2014 where it involved 24 students and (ii) series 2 from 7-10 June 2015 where 22 students had participated.

This program was held at UMT owned Bidong Island instructed by 3 instructors for Scuba Diving International (SDI) - Mr. Baharim Mustapa, Mr. Borhanudin Mohd Yusof & Mr. Ismadi Ismail, 3 dive masters - Mr. Imran Mohamad, Mr. Syed Ahmad Rizal Tuan Nek & Mr. Kamaruzzaman Arifin and 4 dive masters in training.

As it was a collaboration with the university, thus the licenced scuba diving program was offered at a very competitive price. This package costs about RM1219 include SDI license, C-Card, certificate, food and beverages (4 days 3 nights), boat transfer including dive boat, lodging (4 days 3 nights), 7 dives including confined water, dive equipments rental and interestingly underwater photos and videos. Our own FiSHA science officer En. Baharim is among the dive masters.

In BriefAcademic Research HighlightAuthor | SANDRA CATHERINE

Research & Innovation

- AWARDS

research scientists to present their inventions and innovations to a business community keen on commercialising unique inventions. Organised by MINDS (Malaysian Invention & Design Society) since 1989, this annual event attracts inventors with their latest inventions and innovations from universities, research institutions, individual inventors, young inventors, and corporations from Malaysia, Asia and Europe. ITEX recognises unique inventions through the

Invention and Design Competition where local and international awards are awarded. These winning inventions gain maximum recognition and attract even more business opportunities.

Dr. Helena Khatoon won two gold medals in the agriculture category for her products namely; Shrimp Post Larvae and Home Aquarium. Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Yik Sung won two gold medals for his research in additive and novel feeds for shrimp aquaculture.

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences strategy to excel in high impact and quality research has paid off when two of the researchers won gold medals at the 26th International Invention and Innovation Exhibition (ITEX), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ITEX is an international platform for local and international inventors and

Product Inventor

Dr. Helena Khatoon Dried Bioloc-Mixed Feed “LarvAid” is a 100% pure natural bioloc contained product and free from aquaculture waste contamination. This product has been sun dried to retain its nutrients, high in protein, lipid and carbohydrate content and has an ideal fatty acids proile. Dried Bioloc-Mixed Feed “LarvAid” is a premix shrimp larval feed which boosts the immunity and growth of shrimp post larvae and increases its survival rate. It is an environmentally friendly product which can be kept up to a year under normal conditions and 2 years if it is refrigerated.

Tetrabeads are used for rapid and eficient removal of ammonia, nitrite and phosphate in a home aquarium system. The easily harvested microalgae can be converted to biofertiliser, animal feed and biofuel. The easy and effective application of tetrabeads can be used in solving harvesting problems, wastewater treatment, aquarium industry, aquaculture and agriculture. It is a low cost green technology as well as an environmentally friendly product.

23

Product Inventor

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeong Yik Sung

PELLET P3+ is a new aquafeed for boosting protection of the white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei against virulent Vibrios. Feeding bacteria encapsulated with Heat shock proteins (Hsps) represents a new alternative to battle Vibriosis in aquaculture, an important disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio. Feeding with a formulated diet with bacterial cells over-expressing a combination of heat shock proteins, termed Pellet P3+ showed enhanced survival rate of the white leg shrimp when challenged with Vibrio harveyi.

PKC NUTRI+ is a novel feed for intensive tank production of the brine shrimp Artemia, an important live food for aquaculture. PKC-Nutri+, a palm kernel cake-based emulsion was formulated as a novel inert feed to boost intensive biomass production of Artemia in tank system. Palm kernel cake is a by-product from palm oil production and they are considered as a cheap agricultural by-product. PKC-Nutri+ generally contains 21% protein, 47% carbohydrate, 6% lipid, 22% fibre and 4% ash. Feeding with PKC-Nutri+ boosted biomass production from 4 g of nauplii to 160 g of adult biomass after 14 days of culture, an approximately 4000% increase in terms of relative percentage from its initial weight. Nutrient analysis performed on the Artemia biomass fed with PKC-Nutri+ revealed 59% protein, 13% carbohydrate, 6% lipid, 14% fibre and 8% ash. The fact that PKC-Nutri+ promoted better biomass, survival and growth makes it an excellent inert feed to substitute the use of expensive microalgae, a coup when operational costs are considered.

24

19

High Impact Publication

Cumulative number of publication according to types of publications published by researchers in FiSHA

from 2012 till September 2015.

Currently, FiSHA consists of 44 lecturers/researchers whom are attached with internal research institutes in UMT including Institute of Tropical Aquaculture (AKUATROP), Institute of Marine Biotechnology (IMB), Institute of Kenyir Research (IPK) and Institute of Oceanography

and Environment (INOS). In total, FiSHA researchers have produced about 521 publications from 2012 till September 2015 ranging from journal articles, proceedings, books, chapters in book and general (poster, newsletter, magazine etc). The published journal articles are in various ields of isheries

and aquaculture. About 70% of the journal articles were published in high impact journal articles ranging from Q1-Q2.

Author | SANDRA CATHERINE

5

Nu

mb

er o

f Pub

licai

ons (

Cum

ulai

ve)

15

147

270

28

JOURNALS PROCEEDINGS BOOKS GENERALBOOK

CHAPTERS

Publication HighlightsHealth And Immunology

Author total citation index 310

Article citation 7

h-index 9

AbstractNon-lethal heat shock boosts bacterial and viral disease tolerance in shrimp, possibly due to increases in endogenous heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and/or immune proteins. To further understand the mechanisms protecting shrimp against infection, Hsp70 and the mRNAs encoding the immune-related proteins prophenoloxidase (proPO), peroxinectin, penaeidin, crustin and hemocyanin were studied in post-larvae of the white-leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, following a non-lethal heat shock. As indicated by RT-qPCR, a 30 min abrupt heat shock increased Hsp70 mRNA in comparison to non-heated animals. Immunoprobing of western blots and quantiication by ELISA revealed that Hsp70 production after heat shock was correlated with enhanced Hsp70 mRNA. proPO and hemocyanin mRNA levels were augmented, whereas peroxinectin and crustin mRNA levels were unchanged following non-lethal heat shock. Penaeidin mRNA was decreased by all heat shock treatments. Thirty min abrupt heat shock failed to improve survival of post-larvae in a standardized challenge test with Vibrio harveyi, indicating that under the conditions of this study, L. vannamei tolerance to Vibrio infection was inluenced neither by Hsp70 accumulation nor the changes in the immune-related proteins, observations dissimilar to other shrimp species examined.

Non-Lethal Heat Shock Increased Hsp70 and ImmuneProtein Transcripts but Not Vibrio Tolerance in theWhite-Leg Shrimp

Nguyen Hong Loc1, Thomas H. MacRae2, Najiah Musa1, Muhd Danish Daniel Bin Abdullah3, Mohd.

Effendy Abdul Wahid4, Yeong Yik Sung1,4*

1Department of Aquaculture Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Aqua-Industry, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 2Department of Biology,

Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 3Department of Fisheries Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Aqua-Industry, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala

Terengganu, Malaysia, 4 Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

26

PLoS One.2013;8(9):e73199

Author total citation index 16

Article citation 10

h-index 1

AbstractDNA barcodes, typically focusing on the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene (COI) in many animals, have been used widely as a species-identiication tool. The ability of DNA barcoding to distinguish species from a range of taxa and to reveal cryptic species has been well documented. Despite the wealth of DNA barcode data for ish from many temperate regions, there are relatively

few available from the Southeast Asian region. Here, we target the marine ish Family Carangidae, one of the most commercially-important families from the Indo-Malay Archipelago (IMA), to produce an initial reference DNA barcode library. Here, a 652 bp region of COI was sequenced for 723 individuals from 36 putative species of Family Carangidae distributed within IMA waters. Within the newly-generated dataset, three described species exhibited conspeciic divergences up to ten times greater (4.32–4.82%) than mean estimates (0.24–0.39%), indicating a discrepancy with assigned morphological taxonomic identiication, and the existence of cryptic species. Variability of the mitochondrial DNA COI region was compared within and among species to evaluate the COI region’s suitability for species identiication. The trend in range of mean K2P distances observed was generally in accordance with expectations based on taxonomic hierarchy: 0% to 4.82% between individuals within species, 0% to 16.4% between species within genera, and 8.64% to 25.39% between genera within families. The average Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distance between individuals, between species within genera, and between genera within family were 0.37%, 10.53% and 16.56%, respectively. All described species formed monophyletic clusters in the Neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree, although three species representing complexes of six potential cryptic species were detected in Indo-Malay Carangidae; Atule mate, Selar crumenophthalmus and Seriolina nigrofasciata. This study conirms that COI is an effective tool for species identiication of Carangidae from the IMA. There were moderate levels of cryptic diversity among putative species within the central IMA. However, to explain the hypothesis of species richness in the IMA, it is necessary to sample the whole family across their broad geographic range. Such insights are helpful not only to document mechanisms driving diversiication and recruitment in Carangidae, but also to provide a scientiic framework for management strategies and conservation of commercially-important isheries resources.

Publication HighlightsFisheries Welfare and Sustainability

DNA Barcoding Reveals Cryptic Diversity withinCommercially Exploited Indo-Malay Carangidae(Teleosteii: Perciformes)

Tun Nurul Aimi Mat Jaafar1,3, Martin I. Taylor1, Siti AzizahMohd Nor2, Mark de Bruyn1, Gary R. Carvalho1*

1Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom, 2 School of Biological Sciences,

Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 3 Faculty of Fisheries and Aqua Industry, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

27

PLoS One.2012;7(11):e49623

Author total citation index 25

Article citation 1

h-index 1

AbstractMercury contamination, especially of seafood, continues to attract public concern. Cysteine, NH

2CH(CH

2-SH)COOH, is

a naturally occurring hydrophobic amino acid that contains a thiol group. The purpose of our study was to investigate the use of the additive cysteine in ish diets to reduce mercury concentration in ish, and to observe the effectiveness of dietary cysteine in ish livers. Diets containing 1% and 10% cysteine successfully decreased mercury concentrations in ish compared with the 0% cysteine diet. The liver may have formed excessive lipid droplets or was unable to mobilize lipid stores during exposure to mercury; additional cysteine could help to mobilize excessive lipids in it.

Effects of additional cysteine in fish diet on mercury concentration

W.J. Mok a,b,⇑, Y. Hatanaka c, M. Seoka d, T. Itoh a, Y. Tsukamasa a, M. Ando a

aDepartment of Fisheries, Kinki University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara 631-8505, Japanb Faculty of Fisheries and Aqua-Industry, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, MalaysiacOsaka Municipal Technical Research Institute, 1-6-50, Morinomiya, Joto-ku, Osaka 536-8553, Japand Laboratorio ‘‘Acuicultura Marina’’, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, E.T.S. de Ingeniería Agronómica Campus Alfonso XIII, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain

Food Chemistry 147 (2014) 340–345

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Food Chemistry

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/locate / foodchem

Publication HighlightsFood Safety and Security (Food Chemistry)

28

Author total citation index 44

Article citation 2

h-index 2

AbstractChemical modiications of gelatin from New Zealand hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) skins were carried out using three different cross-linking agents, namely, genipin, glutaraldehyde and caffeic acid, at different concentrations. The chemically modiied gelatins exhibited better physical properties, such as higher gel strength, melting point, and rheological properties than did the uncross-linked gelatin. Gelatin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde had higher gel strength and melting point (231 g, 21.9 C) than those crosslinked with caffeic acid (229 g, 21.6 C) and genipin (211 g, 20.5 C) at concentrations of 0.133, 0.111, and 0.044 M, respectively. The elastic modulus (G0) and the loss modulus (G00) of chemically cross-linked gelatins were higher than those of the uncross-linked ones. These improved physicochemical properties of gelatin could lead to the development of products in the food industry that meet consumer demands.

Chemical modification of New Zealand hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae)

skin gelatin and its properties

Nor Fazliyana Mohtar 1, Conrad O. Perera ⇑, Yacine Hemar

School of Chemical Sciences, Food Science Programme, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

Food Chemistry 155 (2014) 64–73

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Food Chemistry

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/locate / foodchem

29

Publication HighlightsFish Physiology (Aquatic Toxicology)

Aquatic Toxicology 126 (2013) 63–76

Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect

Aquatic Toxicology

journa l homepage: www.e lsev ier .com/ locate /aquatox

Author total citation index 132

Article citation 13

h-index 8

AbstractWe examined the acute physiological responses to high environmental ammonia (HEA), particularly the linkages between branchial ammonia luxes and unidirectional Na+ luxes, as well as urea excretion, cortisol, and indicators of gill permeability in three freshwater teleosts differing in their sensitivities to ammonia; the highly sensitive salmonid Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), the less sensitive cyprinid Cyprinus carpio (common carp) and the highly resistant cyprinid Carassius auratus (goldish). Fish were acutely exposed to two sub-lethal ammonia concentrations (as NH

4HCO

3) at

pH 7.9: 1 mM for a period of 12 h, identical for all species, and 5 mM for the cyprinids and 1.4 mM for the trout for 3 h. Elevation of plasma cortisol at both levels of HEA was apparent in all species. At 1 mM, ammonia excretion (Jamm) was inhibited to a greater extent in trout than cyprinids and concurrently a signiicantly higher plasma ammonia level was evident in trout. However, Jamm was reversed in all species at 5 or 1.4 mM. Goldish showed a signiicant increase in urea excretion rate (Jurea) during HEA

exposure. In carp and trout, neither level of HEA elevated Jurea but urea production was increased as evidenced by a considerable elevation of plasma urea. At 1 mM HEA, Na+ imbalance became progressively more severe in trout and carp due to a stimulation of unidirectional Na+ eflux (JNaout) without a concomitant increase in unidirectional Na+ inlux (JNain). Additionally, a transient reduction of JNain was evident in trout. Goldish showed an opposite trend for JNaout with reduced eflux rates and a positive Na+ balance during the irst few hours of HEA. However, after 12 h of exposure, both JNain and JNaout were also increased in both carp and goldish, whereas only JNaout was increased in trout, leading to a net Na+ loss. Na+ homeostasis was entirely disrupted in all three species when subjected to the 5 or 1.4 mM ammonia for 3 h: JNain was signiicantly inhibited while considerable activation of JNaout was observed. Diffusive water eflux rates and net K+ loss rates across the gills were enhanced during HEA only in trout, indicating an increment in gill transcellular permeability. Transepithelial potential was increased in all the species during ammonia exposure, but to the least extent in goldish. Overall, for several different physiological systems, trout were most disturbed, and goldish were least disturbed by HEA, helping to explain the differential ammonia tolerance of the three species.

30

Differential responses in ammonia excretion, sodium fluxes and gill permeability

explain different sensitivities to acute high environmental ammonia in three

freshwater teleosts

Hon Jung Liew a,c,1, Amit Kumar Sinha a,∗,1, C. Michele Nawatab, Ronny Blust a,Chris M. Woodb,d, Gudrun De Boeck a

a Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, BE-2020 Antwerp, Belgiumb Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canadac Institute of Tropical Aquaculture, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysiad Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA

Publication HighlightsFish Virology (Journal of Fish Diseases)

Author total citation index 2

Article citation 1

h-index 1

AbstractMolecular (PCR) diagnostic tests for the detection and identiication of aquareovirus in general, and Tasmanian Atlantic salmon reovirus (TSRV) speciically, were developed, and their diagnostic sensitivity and speciicity were determined and compared with virus isolation in cell culture. Intralaboratory and interlaboratory comparison of PCR (conventional hemi-nested RT-PCR & RT-qPCR) and virus isolation in cell culture using inish cell lines, CHSE-214 and EPC, was carried out for the detection and identiication of TSRV using ield samples of farmed Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, L. from various aquaculture sites around Tasmania. The interlaboratory comparison of diagnostic methods was carried out between two laboratories, AAHL-CSIRO and DPIPWE-Tasmania. A total of 144 ish from nine sites (12-33 ish per site) were sampled from two regions of Tasmania (Tamar River estuary in the north and Huon River estuary in the south-east) during late spring to early summer of 2009, and the data were analysed using different statistical approaches. The prevalence of TSRV ranged from 6% to 22% in both regions. All the diagnostic methods (data from both laboratories) had high speciicity, while the estimated sensitivity varied between tests with RT-qPCR being the most sensitive (95.2%) method followed by virus isolation and then conventional hemi-nested RT-PCR.

Journal of Fish Diseases 2015, 38, 739–754 doi:10.1111/jfd.12291

Development and application of molecular methods (PCR)

for detection of Tasmanian Atlantic salmon reovirus

S C Zainathan1,*, G Carlile2, J Carson3, K A McColl2, M St. J Crane2, L M Williams2,

J Hoad2, N J G Moody2, H M Aiken4, G F Browning5 and B F Nowak1

1 National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS,

Australia

2 Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, Geelong, VIC, Australia

3 Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Department, Launceston, TAS, Australia

4 Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Department, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

5 Veterinary Microbiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

31

Publication HighlightsFisheries Conservation (Ocean and Coastal Management)

Author total citation index 1981

Article citation 0

h-index 20

AbstractThe Matang Mangrove Forest is the largest single mangrove forest in Peninsular Malaysia, covering an area of more than 40,000 ha. As a national treasure, it lies under the jurisdiction of both the federal and state authorities. Monitoring temporal changes of mangrove area on a large scale requires a more eficient tool. Remote sensing is often a reliable alternative to ground-survey methods that provides useful source of information and coverage that is timely and complete especially in mangroves areas where accessibility is dificult. In this study, status and changes of land use and land cover in the Matang Mangrove Forest during the past 18 years (1993–1999, 1999 to 2011 and 1993 to 2011) were determined using multi temporal satellites, and threats to the ecosystems were also identiied. Classiication of land use and land cover approach was implemented using the maximum likelihood classiier (MLC) along with vegetation index differencing (NDVI) technique. Classiication accuracy at 85.7%, 90%, and 88.9% with Kappa statistics of 0.82, 0.88, and 0.94

respectively for 1993, 1999 and 2011 image were obtained. The overall change in the area during the 18-year period indicated the loss of mangrove area at 8017.3 ha, while 2998 ha was newly planted or rehabilitated. The present study revealed that Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata are still being preserved, accounting to more than 80% of the total species. Temporal changes of the mangrove for the 18-year period showed that the mangroves were converted to water bodies at 31.1%, dry land forest at 30.6%, oil palm plantation at 18.9%, aquaculture at 11.1%, paddy plantation at 4.9%, horticulture at 3.1%, and urban settlement area at 0.3%. Threats towards the mangrove area were due to erosion, tree harvesting rotation, transitional forest, shrimp ponds, illegal agricultural activities and trespassing. The indings indicated an approach in collecting regular and appropriate mangrove forest area database and detection of activities that violate regulations. This will provide adequate information to the stakeholders in enhancing the management practise and for legislative purposes. Hence, combinations of these approaches has been proven to be adequate in detecting changes in the mangrove area and indicating the nature of the changes which will promote and enhance the management planning process towards sustainability of the Matang Mangrove Forest.

Mapping mangrove changes in the Matang Mangrove Forest using

multi temporal satellite imageries

N.A. Ibharim a, M.A. Mustapha a, *, T. Lihan a, A.G. Mazlan b

a School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, 43600,

Malaysiab School of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Ocean & Coastal Management

journal homepage: www.elsevier .com/locate/ocecoaman

Ocean & Coastal Management 114 (2015) 64e76

32

Scientiic DiscussionHeat Shock Protein: A Promising Alternative to Combat Stress and Disease in Aquatic OrganismsAuthor | ASSOC. PROF. DR. YEONG YIK SUNG

The research I’ve been conducting often reminds me of the phrase “What doesn’t kill you makes you

stronger”, said Dr. Yeong Yik Sung, an Associate Professor who is currently attached to the Institute of Marine Biotechnology, University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Dr. Yeong and his co-workers from UMT, Ghent University, Belgium and Dalhousie University, Canada discovered that subjecting ish and shellish to a heat stress with temperature close to mortality, induces tolerance to an otherwise lethal temperature. This condition is known as Induced Thermotolerance (ITT) and acquisition of ITT enhances the ability of an aquatic organism to withstand heat perturbation when they are compromised with extreme and luctuating temperatures, for example, in the case of climate change. Extensive work conducted at UMT revealed that the enhanced protection of ish and shellish against heat stress is linked to a group of cellular proteins known as heat shock proteins (Hsps), with the generation of thermotolerance in response to heat stress correlates with Hsp70 induction. Hsps, commonly referred to as stress proteins or molecular chaperones, are primarily

induced by heat and other abiotic and biotic stresses such as desiccation, oxygen deprivation, salinity, toxins and disease. They normally account for 5-10% of total protein in most cells, and two or three times that amount when cells are exposed to stressors. Constitutive and inducible Hsps, some of which are organelle speciic, perform vital functions generally by interacting with exposed hydrophobic surfaces of nascent and stress-induced non-native proteins for protein repair. They are categorized into several families based on function, sequence and molecular mass, with major Hsp families include Hsp110, Hsp100, Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, and the small Hsps (sHsps), with the latter having a molecular mass less than 40 kDa. The molecular mechanisms responsible for ITT are not completely understood in aquatic animals, however it is known that once Hsps are synthesized, they protect soluble proteins against heat denaturation and proteins are refolded, vital actions in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Many aquatic organisms share this common heat shock response, with the brine shrimp Artemia, white-leg shrimp L.

vannamei, carp C. carpio and green

mussel P. viridis as examples. It was demonstrated that rendering these organisms’ thermotolerant often entails two phases, a short exposure to an acute heat shock followed by several hours of non-stress conditions.

Priming with a mild heat shock also enhances aquatic organisms against stresses other than

heat, a phenomenon known as cross-protection. Cross-protection represents increased tolerance to physiological perturbation following an initial transient, albeit different, stress, a capability frequently occurring concomitantly with Hsp accretion. The study of cross-protection in ish was initiated by the demonstration that heat shields winter lounder cells against exposure to deleterious chemicals by Brown and co-workers in 1992. Cross-tolerance in the lounder coincided with the up-regulation of Hsp28, Hsp70 and Hsp90. In another example, heat shock followed by 4 to 48 h recovery enhances the ability of tide pool sculpin to withstand osmotic and hypoxic stress, with survival increasing from 68 to 96%, and 47 to 76%, respectively. An example of an abiotic stress bestowing resistance to a different abiotic stress was revealed by us in 2013, featuring that heating juvenile carp from 28°C to 32, 34 and 38°C, with a subsequent 8 h recovery period augmented tolerance to ammonia perturbation by two to three-fold as compared to animals held at 28°C. Protection occurred in conjunction with Hsp70 accumulation in gills, substantiating the role of this Hsp in enhancing the stress tolerance of the common carp. Hsps may mediate cross-tolerance by preventing protein denaturation, refolding damaged proteins or ensuring degradation of irreversibly damaged proteins, thus preventing accumulation of abnormal proteins and their aggregates during ammonia stress. Although fundamental, these indings facilitate the formulation of strategies to boost ish and shellish tolerance against crowding and transport stress, known conditions

33

where excessive ammonia build-up as a result of waste excretion is rampant. Other methods that enhance Hsp70 synthesis and prime aquatic organisms against ammonia stress include exposure to chemical inducers of Hsp70. In this context, we have shown that exposure to TEX-OE®, a patented extracts of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia icus indica) containing chaperone-stimulating factor, protected common carp ingerlings against acute ammonia stress. Survival was enhanced two-fold after exposure to 1 h median lethal ammonia concentration for this species. Survival of TEX-OE®-pre-exposed ish was enhanced by 20% over non-exposed controls during lethal dose of ammonia, with protection again correlated with Hsp70 accretion.

Published in Fish and Shellish Immunology and PLoS ONE, our indings revealed that heat stress and/or Hsp accumulation promotes shrimp’s tolerance to pathogenic Vibrios, the causative agents of Vibriosis, a major bacterial disease in aquaculture. A non-lethal heat shock (NLHS) protocol for induction of endogenous Hsp70 in the brine shrimp Artemia and the White-leg shrimp L. vannamei was optimized, with results demonstrating that an NLHS of 37°C for 30 min followed by a 6 h recovery period induced Hsp70 maximally and optimally enhanced resistance of shrimp against pathogenic Vibrio. The resulting two-fold increase in survival to pathogenic Vibrio in concert with Hsp70 synthesis suggested that stress protein functions in protection. To further understand the mechanisms protecting shrimp against infection, the

relationship between Hsp70 and the immune-related proteins expression in post-larvae of L. vannamei, following a non-lethal heat shock was explored, revealing that protection is afforded by the enhanced up-regulation of prophenoloxidase (proPO) and hemocyanin, two potent anti-microbial peptides that occur in the Penaeid shrimp. In another development, supplying exogenous Hsps, either by feeding with Hsps encapsulated in bacteria or injecting recombinant Hsp70, represents another way to limit Vibrio infection in aquatic organisms. Feeding with E. coli over-producing DnaK, the prokaryotic equivalent of Hsp70, enhances gnotobiotic Artemia larvae survival approximately two- to three-fold upon challenge with pathogenic V. campbellii. Similar results were obtained when larvae were fed with other heated Gram positive and negative bacteria, all of which produce increased amounts of DnaK. Improvement in larval resistance to V. campbellii infection correlates with escalating amounts of DnaK, suggesting a protective role for this protein, either via chaperoning or by immune enhancement. Support for an immunological effect is offered by the observation that feeding DnaK-enriched bacteria stimulates the ProPO cascade system of Artemia, a mechanism important for pathogen melanisation by the innate immune system. In a related study, we demonstrate that feeding white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannameii larvae with E. coli over-producing DnaK protects against pathogenic V. harveyi, boosting survival beyond 30% in a standardized challenge

assay. Administration of DnaK enhances crustin production 7-fold more in whole larvae homogenates than those fed with YS2 cells that do not produce DnaK. Crustins are cationic cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides and their up-regulation may protect shrimp larvae by suppressing Vibrio. These studies indicate that the resistance of aquatic organism to Vibrio infection is enhanced by endogenous DnaK/Hsp70.

To summarize, there are several mechanisms by which Hsp70 guards against bacterial infection. Hsp70 may stabilize cells against injury due to pathogen proliferation, assist the proper folding of cell proteins synthesized in response to bacterial pathogens and facilitate the storage and re-folding of partially denatured proteins. Hsps have the potential to improve tolerance to Vibrio sp. via immune stimulation because are thought to inluence the production of cell surface peptides which are presented to the immune system, facilitating recognition of diseased cells. Hsps are involved with Toll-like receptors, a major element of the innate immune system. This possibility is currently under investigation and our work promises to yield indings of fundamental importance with applications in aquaculture, a major method of food production.

Structure of the ATPase

fragment of a 70K heat-

shock cognate protein

(Flaherty KM, DeLuca-

Flaherty C, McKay DB,

August 1990. “Three-

dimensional structure of

the ATPase fragment of a

70K heat-shock cognate

protein”. Nature 346

(6285): 623–8)

34

StudentsNews & ActivitiesAuthor | TAN MIN PAU | SHARIFAH NOOR EMILIA

U n d e r w a t e r P a r a d i s e

T h e S e a F a n C o r a l o f B i d o n g I s l a n d

35

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (FiSHA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has 3 active student clubs. These include the (i) Revolution of Fisheries Club (REVOF) lead by the Diploma in Fisheries students, formerly advised

by Dr. Seah Ying Giat and current adviser is Dr. Tun Nurul Aimi, (ii) Fisheries Club of Organized Studies (FICOS) lead by the Bachelor of Applied Science (Fisheries) students, advised by Dr. Muhd Danish Daniel and lastly (iii) Intelligent Graduate

Students of Aquaculture (INTEGRA) lead by the Bachelor of Science in Agrotechnology (Aquaculture) students, advised by Dr. Sharifah Noor Emilia and Dr. Ivan Koh Chong Chu.

RE

VO

FStudent Clubs

FIC

OS

INT

EG

RA

36

Educational tour (Kembara

Ilmiah)

This year, REVOF and the committee of student hostel (Kolej Siswa) had organized an educational tour (Kembara Ilmiah) as a reward for those who excelled in their study. This program was aimed to expose the students with the actual working world by visiting the potential carreer providers which consist of conservation center, government sector and also private sectors. From 17 to 19 March 2015, the students visited a) Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Center (TUMEC), Rantau Abang, Kelantan, b) Aquaculture Development Center Perlok, Pahang, c) Fisheries Research Center Glami Lemi, Negeri Sembilan and d) Nanyang Aquaculture, Johor. Total number of 90 students participated in the program with positive feedback.

Educational visit

FICOS also organized a series of visits to aquaculture farms and hatcheries. The program

was meant to expose the isheries students to job opportunities in aquaculture sector. From 11-13 December 2014, FICOS members visited a number of freshwater and marine hatcheries in Johor.

Student Mobility

Every year, with the collaboration of Prince Songkla University (PSU) and INTEGRA (FiSHA),

together they managed an “International Collaboration of Aquaculture Students, UMT and PSU Student” Program. The chosen INTEGRA members had the opportunity to visit PSU to experience Thailand culture and most importantly exchange knowledge through joint experiments and presentation of selected topics. INTEGRA has done this program continuously for the past 4 years.

37

Field Trip Study to Bidong IslandMarine Research Station

1. Water safety and snorkelling gear application brief by Mr. Mohd. Sharol to the students.

2. Introduction and demonstration to different types of ishing nets.

3. Invertebrate anatomy study - sea cucumber & sea urchin.

4. Morphometric measurements and meristic counts of ish specimens.

5. Sample coding - Nemipterus

furcosus, Threadin breams, (Ikan kerisi – local name)

Photo | Tun Nurul Aimi

1

4

3

2

5

38

Field Study to Kenyir LakeTerengganu

Physical water quality measurement and plankton collection during ield study to Kenyir Lake, Terengganu.

Photo | Nor Azman Kasan

Fish Biology Class and Breeding Activitiesat FiSHA Laboratory & Hatchery

1. Fish anatomy study - elasmobranchii member, the blacktip shark Carcharchinus limbatus.

2. Hormone implantation technique to induce sexual maturation.

3. Hormone injection to a mature broodish.

Photo | Muhammad Abdul Yazed

1

3

2

39

FeaturesIndustry Development and InnovationAuthor | SHARIFAH RAHMAH

ROUTE TO SUCCESS

Thriving in the business of aquaculture takes a lot of guts, efforts, skills and persistence. Demand for seafood in Malaysia is growing from time to time and without a doubt needs to be compensated with the aquaculture industry, as capture fisheries reaches a plateau. As seafood is one of the favourite protein sources for human consumption, the Malaysian government itself has increased the status of aquaculture as an important commodity that generates economical income for the country and the people by placing aquaculture as a core project in the National Economic Key Areas (NKEA) under the 10th Malaysian Plan. It is hoped that by the year 2020, fish production reaches 1.76 million metric tonnes, 50% more than the current revenue. Realizing the aquaculture potential, GST Group has accepted this challenge and currently being one of the successful aquaculture businesses in Malaysia. This can be a role model for our students to embark in the field of aquaculture as well as sparks potential research collaborations from our highly motivated academicians and researchers.

Harvesting and supplying fresh seafood to

local market in the resturants and hotels

around Penang. Photo | GST Group

GST Group’s markets encompass Asia, Europe,

Australia, Hong Kong and USA.

A HUMBLE BEGINNING

GST Group was founded in 1985 as Goh Siong Tee Seafood Supplies supplying

fresh seafood to restaurants and hotels around

Penang. With dedication and extensive networking,

the company expanded their business towards

the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The first

marine fish breeding facility of sea cages was

established in Pulau Aman, Penang. Today, the

company is one of the largest proud owners of

about 10,000 cages, which also facilitated small

sized farmers in expanding their business as

contract farmers in the company.

40

In 2005, the company spread its wing into raw fish fillet processing and supply globally to major cities in Asia, Europe, Australia, Hong Kong and USA.

The market also includes fast food chains, restaurants, supermarkets, hypermarkets, cruise liners and hotels domestically. At the moment, the company operates its own broodstock, hatchery, pond and cage farming, seafood processing, feed mills, retailing and trading as well as biosecurity and quarantine which are distributed in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Pulau Langkawi.

NATURE OF BUSINESS IN GST GROUP

GST GROUP

Hatchery, Pond/Cage Farming & Broodstock

ProcessingR&D

Feed MillsRetailing & Trading

Biosecurity & Quarantine

1. GST Aquaculture, Batu Kawan

2. Farm Group Corporation

3. Omega Direct Sdn Bhd

4. Juru Aqua Sdn Bhd5. Lotus Rich Sdn Bhd6. GST Aquaculture,

Pulau Pangkor7. Oceanic Aquaculture

Venture Sdn Bhd8. GST Aquaculture,

Pulau Aman

9. Goh Siong Tee Marine Products

10. Green Island Feed Mills

11. GST Fine Foods12. Fresh Harvest

Market Retails13. Goh Siong Tee

Seafood Suppliers

14. Gourmet One Food Service

Broodstock farm and marine cage facilities are strategically situated at Pulau Pangkor within a non-polluted ocean and administered by experienced employees. The 2000 cages facility housed valuable fish species such as giant trevally, red snapper, seabass, yellowtail, grouper and others.

Broodstock Facilities

Broodstock cages

41

Hatchery and

Nursery

Grow Out

The hatchery is located in Batu Kawan, Penang. Eggs are collected from the broodstock facilities and brought here to produce fish fries and transferred to marine cage farm as grow out culture. The hatchery practiced improved home based methods using advance technology from abroad blended perfectly to adapt to local climate and environment.

Fries will then be transferred to marine cage farms as grow out culture in Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Jerjak and Pulau Aman with the production of 500 tonnes annually.

Seabass seeds

Fertilized eggs

Tiger grouper x camoulage grouper

Red snapper John snapper

Shrimp

42

Headquartersand

Plants

The headquarters and seafood processing plant are based at Simpang Ampat Industrial Zone, Penang. The plant processes raw ish from illeting, skinning and trimming before conveying to the freezer. It operates on a capacity to process 2000 tonnes of high quality products per year. The plant practices the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, an internationally recognized seafood safety standard, BRC, ISO 9001:2008 and EU certiied standard production system. The processed products are mainly exported to Europe, Australia and the USA.

GST Group’s HQ in Simpang Ampat, Penang

Plants producing ish illets

Product Traceability The company strictly complies

with the following procedures

prior to issuing health certiicates

of their products.

Health Certiicate Loading Record Finished Products Record

Farm record Raw Material Receiving Record

Hatchery Record Egg Collection Record Broodstock Record

43

Products of GST Group ranged from raw fish fillet

such as catfish, tilapia and prawns for freshwater

species as well as red snapper, seabass, cobia,

yellowtail, tiger grouper, giant grouper, golden

pompano from seawater culture. The company

owns a cold storage with a capacity of 1500

tonnes and aiming to improve the facilities to store

up to 3000 tonnes of products per annum.

Products

Red snapper

John snapper

Golden Pompano Seabass Grouper

Giant Trevally

Cobia

44

In 2012, GST was honoured with

the Golden Bull Award by Nanyang

Siang Pau, the most prestigious

annual business award for the

best SMEs in Malaysia for its hard

earned success and outstanding

accomplishment.

Awards

The GST Group Management Members

Receiving the Golden Bull Award 2012 from Minister of Finance II, Malaysia 45

ChallengesBehind the great accomplishment of the company, there are certainly obstacles that have been a driving force for their thriving success. One of the devastating challenges faced by GST Group is the disease outbreaks, killing uncountable numbers of ish. Clinical signs showed viral infection caused by Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) and Irridovirus with symptoms of darkened body, loss of appetite and slow death. Bacterial infection by Vibrio spp. and Streptococcus spp. cause tail and in rot, white head and necrosis. Other than that, cultured ish were also infected by parasites mainly protozoans (Trichodina spp.), copepods (Calingus spp.) and marine leaches as well as some unknown diseases.

In dealing with these disease problems, the dedicated workforce applies back to basic aquaculture good practice skills especially in human resource management. These include strict farm biosecurity, surveillance for disease early detection, trace the source of outbreak, study the nature of disease and conduct experiments on disease upon encounter. Besides, the company collaborates well with NAFISH and DOF of Penang for molecular detection of disease. In addition, simple management practice such as minimizing ish stress, good ish handling, reducing ish stocking, providing adequate micronutrients in feed and close monitoring of water parameters are not neglected.

In addition, the company opts for a fruitful method to overcome the disease by irst keeping the ish gut healthy through feed enrichment program. This highlights the importance of microbiota to the intestinal health by providing both nutritional beneits and protection against pathogens. Application of technological advances has helped with disease recovery and prevention. The company incorporates feed additives from the products by Alltech, Olmix, Orego Stim and use of probiotics, prebiotics, herbal remedies, phytobiotics, digestive enzymes and ish vaccination (NorvaxR Strep Si and AQUAVAC IridoV) as well as micronutrients (minerals and vitamins).

1. Mortality of fishes in cage culture

2. Leech infection in fish

3. Tail rot infection in fish

4. Feed enrichment program: preparation of premix enriched feed prior to feeding

5. Enforced feeding of enriched moist feed using syringe for broodstock

Photo | MOHD ADDIN AAZIF

1

4

3

2

5

46

With the dedication and perseverance of the workers implementing this method of treatment, these feed additives promote gut development by increasing gut height and differentiation for better nutrient absorption. It also strengthened the immune system by increasing mucus production, speed innate response and wound repair against bacteria, viruses and parasites. Hence, this improves yield, fish health, minimize chances of disease outbreak, fast growth, and enhances FCR and meat quality.

Future Plans

Waste Water Treatment

The journey never ends in GST Group. In the future, the company plans to incorporate feed enrichment with vaccination program on important marine species under the supervision of Mr. Mohd Addin Aazif, Mr. Ho Gim Chong and Prof. Dr. Leong Tak Seng. In addition, marine tilapia and white shrimp projects will take place in Merbok. The company’s future plan is also taking

into consideration to improve the facilities to be well adapted for graduate student’s industrial training. This is one of the best places for our aquaculture students to sharpen and increase valuable knowledge and priceless skills. Any research collaborations from our innovative academicians and researchers for sustainable aquaculture industry are most welcome.

An aquaculture operation is not complete until the waste water from the aquaculture system is treated prior to release into the environment. This is an unlikely practice in most farms in Malaysia. GST Group practices safe and responsible aquaculture through green eco-friendly approach towards sustainability. The water effluent from

the ponds are treated using nano ionic copper’s eco-friendly technology where the cupric ionized copper particles (Cu++) engulf the organisms and penetrate into the cell walls either disrupting the reproduction or killing the organism outright. The Cu++ particles are absorbed into the organic matter of the cell and stay bound.

Farm Species On Treatment Survival (%)

GST PangkorRed snapper, John snapper, Hybrid grouper

500,000 70 – 80%

GST Batu KawanAsian seabass, Red snapper

1,000,000/month 90%

Omeg Direct

Seabass, Red snapper, John snapper, White shrimp

1,000,000/month20 ton/cycle

90%

Oceanic VenturesRed snapper, John snapper

300,000 50 – 60%

47

Fisheries resources and aquaculture production deemed to be an important protein food sources. Though capture isheries is becoming limited, increasing aquaculture production has climbed its way to compensate the growing world’s population to an estimated 8 billion people by 2025. Still, there are challenges to overcome in providing nutritionally secure food to the nation since the natural resources are progressively threatened by environmental and climate changes. It can be made possible through advancement of emerging scientiic breakthrough in isheries and aquaculture.

Nanotechnology is termed by the National Nanotechnology Institute as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. It involves the application of materials to produce new products or practice with numerous possible beneits to

MOVING TOWARDS NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTUREAuthor | SHARIFAH RAHMAH

the people (Handy 2012). This includes improving the bioavailability of functional components, avoiding decomposition, encapsulation and control release of food materials, enhance bioavailability, stability and shelf-life of sensitive feed ingredients, ish breeding management, protection against microbial contamination, transportation of nutrients, nutraceuticals, enzymes, food additives and food antimicrobials, manufacture of effective ish feed, nanoiltration of water, antifouling in ishing and aquaculture nets, antibacterial substances for aquaculture tanks and new packaging materials in seafood products (Can et al. 2011).

One of the most expensive aquaculture production costs is ish feed. Eficacy of nutrient delivery to the cultured organism especially less stable ingredients such as fatty acids, carotenoid, vitamin and trace minerals (Bouwmeester et al. 2009) is improved with nanoencapsulation technology. Nano-micelles from casein origin are suggested as an affective delivery method of hydrophobic compound such as vitamin D2 (Semo

et al. 2007). Stability of trout feed is enhanced by adding single-walled carbon nanotubes to harden feed, thus changing the physical characteristics of feed without compromising the palatability and growth

of ish (Fraser et al. 2010). Growth of juvenile carps and sturgeon are enhanced by 30 and 24% respectively through the incorporation of nanoparticles of iron (Ashraf et al. 2011). Supplementation of nanoselenium increased weight gain and antioxidant status in goldish Carassius

auratus compared to selenomethionine (Zhou et al. 2009).

Photo | Annette Jaya Ram

Photo | Sharifah Rahmah

Feed Nanotechnology

Photo | Sharifah Rahmah

48

Nanotechnology in Fish Breeding

Nanotechnology in Water Treatment

Fish Health Management and Nanomedicine

The time consuming and expensive ish breeding management can be enhanced by implanting nanotube under the skin to monitor the real time estradiol hormonal changes in the blood (O’Connell et al. 2002). The commonly practiced method to produce transgenic ish through microinjection has been improved by a novel new method of delivering DNA through vertically aligned carbon nanoibers (McKnight et al. 2003).

Improvement of water quality through development of nanomaterials in water iltration and puriication (Handy & Shaw 2007) such as carbon with zeolite and iron-containing components removes ammonia, nitrites and nitrates from the water. Also, ultraine nanoscale iron powder is affective in cleaning and converting contaminants such as trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride,

dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls into simpler components that are less contaminating in aquaculture (Rather et al. 2011). Altair nanotechnologies is applying the use of 40 nm particles of lanthanum based compound to absorb phosphates from the water as well as removing algae in ish farms, where it was initially used in swimming pools.

As the culture system intensiied, the risk of disease escalates. Nanomedicine is a growing nanotechnology to monitor and improve ish health. Methods of medicinal delivery of vaccines have been improved by coating nanoparticles with fatty acid shells which improved its stability in water (Mitchell & Trivedi 2010). Mesoporous silica particles were proposed to control drug release (Stromme et al. 2009). DNA nanovaccines which incorporates DNA-containing

nanocapsul and nanoparticle carriers such as chitosan and poly-lactide-co-glycolide acid will release DNA into the ish using ultrasound to create immune response of ish towards pathogens (Rajeshkumar et al. 2009). A carbon nanotubes-based biosensor is able to detect a small amount of bacteria, virus and parasites. Unlike antibiotics, the use of nano colloidal nanotechnology as catalyst does not develop resistant strains of bacteria, in fact killing methicillin resistant Staphylococcus

aureus (Jeong et al. 2004). Tracking biosensors are developed to transmit data of ish health and location on a central computer which is great for open water cage culture system (Rather et al. 2011).

Vertically aligned carbon nanoibers(Photo adapted from Melechko et al. 2007)

49

Conclusion

Nanomaterials in Fisheries

and Aquaculture Post HarvestNanopackaging

As the main purpose of both isheries and aquaculture is to provide human food, nanotechnology has improved the quality of food ish in terms of ish structure, texture, processing, storage, transportation, traceability of food stuffs as well as packaging. Nanopolymers and coatings such as cellulose, starch and chitosan are used to strengthen the packaging to reduce physical damage to packed food for human as well as ish feed, hence biodegradable and environmentally preferable (De Azeredo 2009). The shelf life of ish product is prolonged by innovating nanopackaging with antimicrobial, antibacterial (Moraru et al. 2003) and antifungal properties (Muhling et al. 2009). Oxygen removal ilms made from nanotitania is applied to prevent food oxidation and diminishes microbial activity (Priolo et al. 2010) and microencapsulation combining maltodextrin with starch or whey protein concentrate surface active biopolymer can preserve the lavor of ish oil (Jafari et al. 2008).

AFM images of silver nanoparticles coated on PS-PEO using spray coating method. Substrate: polyvinyl acetatePhoto | Azlin Shafrina Hasim

SEM images of Ag nanoparticles agglomerated due to higher concentration of Ag precursor. Substrate: glass slidesPhoto I Azlin Shafrina Hasim

Nanotechnology applied in creating strong, long lasting material for the isheries and aquaculture development is a prerequisite to enhance productivity and economical beneits. Carbon nanotube (CNT) ibers used to make cages and mooring lines are 30 times stronger than Kevlar and withstand 117 times more weight than steel (Chang et al. 2010). Antibacterial and nanostructure coating of metaloxide nanoparticles (CuO, ZnO and SiO

2) can reduce

the risk of biofouling of isheries and aquaculture structure such as boat, ship hulls, pipelines and surface of ilter system (Rather et al. 2011).

Although nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool towards enhancement of isheries and aquaculture industry, concerns still arise as to whether the use of nanotechnology have long term impact on food safety and the environment. Still, nanotechnology has brought tremendous advancement in providing solutions to problems associated with isheries and aquaculture industries, hence should be forged ahead responsibly towards sustainable food security.

50

Biofouling on bridge structurePhoto | Annette Jaya Ram

References

Ashraf M, Aklakur M, Sharma R, Ahmad S & Khan M. 2011. Nanotechnology as a novel tool in isheries and aquaculture development: A review. Iranica Journal of Energy and Environment 2(3), 258-261.

Bouwmeester H, Dekkers S, Noordam, MY, Hagens WI, Bulder AS, de Heer C, ten Voorde SECG, Wijnhoven SWP, Marvin HJP & Sips AJAM. 2009. Review of health safety aspects of nanotechnologies in food production. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 53, 52–62.

Can E, Kizak V, Kayim M, Can SS, Kutlu B, Ates M,Kocabas M & Demirtas N. 2011. Nanotechnological applications in aquaculture-seafoodindustries and adverse effects of nananoparticles on environment. Journal of Materials Science and Engineering 5, 605-609.

Chang CC, Hsu IK, Aykol M, Hung WH, Chen CC & Cronin SB. 2010. A new lower limit for the ultimate breaking strain of carbon nanotubes. ACS Nano 4, 5095–5100.

De Azeredo HMC. 2009. Nanocomposites for food packaging applications. Food Research International 42, 1240–1253.

Fraser TWK, Reinardy HC, Shaw BJ, Henry TB & Handy RD. 2010. Dietary toxicity of single-walled carbon nanotubes and fullerenes (C60) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Nanotoxicology 5, 98–108.

Handy RD. 2012. FSBI brieing paper: Nanotechnology in Fisheries and Aquaculture. 2012. Fisheries Society of the British Isles, 1-29.

Handy RD & Shaw BJ. 2007. Toxic effects of nanoparticles and nanomaterials: implications for public health, risk assessment and the public perception of nanotechnology. Health Risk Soc, 9, 125–144.

Jafari SM, Assaidpoor E, Bhandari B & He YH. 2008. Nano-particle encapsulation of ish oil by spray drying. Food Res Int, 41, 172–183.

Jeong SH, Yun HH & Sung CY. 2004. Antibacterial properties of padded PP/PE non wovens incorporating nanosized silver coloids. Journal of Material Science 40, 5413-5418.

McKnight TE, Melechko AV, Grifin GD & Guillorn MA. 2003. Intracellular integration of synthetic nanostructures with viable cells fo controlled biochemical manipulation. Nanotechnol. 14, 551-556.

Melechko AV, Klein KL, Fowlkes JD, Hensley DK, Merkulov IA, McKnight TE, Rack PD, Horton JA & Simpson ML. 2007. Control of carbon nanostructure: From nanoiber toward nanotube and back. Journal of Applied Physics102(7), 74314-74317.

Mitchell J & Trivedi V. 2010. Pharmaceutical nanomaterials: the preparation of solid core drug delivery systems (SCDDS). J Pharm Pharmacol. 62, 1457–1458.

Moraru C, Panchapakesan C, Huang Q, Takhistov P, Liu S & Kokini J. 2003. Nanotechnology: a new frontier in food science. Food Technol. 57, 24–29.

Muhling M, Bradford A, Readman JW, Somerield PJ & Handy RD. 2009. An investigation into the effects of silver nanoparticles on antibiotic resistance of naturally occurring bacteria in an estuarine sediment. Mar Environ Res 68, 278–283.

O’Connell MJ, Bachilo SM, Huffaman CB, Moore VC, Strano MS, Haroz EH, Rialon KL, Boul PJ, Noon WH, Kittrell C, Ma J, Hauge RH, Weisman RB & Smalley RE. 2002. Band gap luorescence from individual single walled carbon nanotubes. Sci. 297(5581), 593-596.

Priolo MA, Gamboa D & Grunlan JC. 2010. Transparent clay-polymer nano brick wall assemblies with tailorable oxygen barrier. ACS Appl Mat Interfaces 2, 312–320.

Rajeshkumar S, Venkatesan C, Sarathi M, Sarathbabu V, J. Thomas, Basha KA, Hameed ASS. Oral delivery of DNA construct using chitosan nanoparticles to protect the shrimp from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Fish and Shellish Immunology 26, 429-237.

Rather MA, Sharma R, Aklakur M, Akhtar MS, Ciji A, Ahmad S & Khan M. 2011. Nanotechnology: An emerging avenue for aquaculture and isheries. World Aquaculture 42(3), 9-11.

Semo E, Kesselman E, Danino D & Livney YD. 2007. Casein micelle as a natural nano-capsular vehicle for nutraceuticals. Food Hydrocolloids 21, 936–942.

Stromme M, Brohede U, Atluri R & Garcia-Bennett AE. 2009. Mesoporous silica-based nanomaterials for drug delivery: evaluation of structural properties associated with release rate. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol.1, 140–148.

Zhou X, Wang Y, Gu Q & Li W. 2009. Effects of different dietary selenium sources (selenium nanoparticle and selenomethionine) on growth performance, muscle composition and glutathione peroxide enzyme activity of crucian carp (Carassius auratus

gibelio). Aquaculture 291, 78-81.

51

POSTGRADUATE STUDY (By Research)

Offered by Lecturer from

School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

PhD GRA (Graduate Research Assistantship)

Location : Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

Company : School of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences,

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Company URL : http://www.umt.edu.my/

Salary : RM1,500 per month

Duration : Three (3) years

Qualiications

M.S. degree in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Veterinary, Biology or related

discipline; Research experience and peer-reviewed publication is

desirable but not required; Background in immunology or molecular

biology is preferable; Should have experience in biochemical

assays and laboratory chemicals; Verbal and written communication

skills in English.

Description

Oxidative stress is an emerging ield of study in physiology of

aquatic species. At present, major problem in aquaculture industry

is the shortage of dietary ingredients such as protein and lipid.

Alternative dietary ingredients potentially altering growth and

intermediary metabolism may therefore be expected to affect the

oxidative homoeostasis in ish and crustaceans. The underlying

mechanism involved between dietary protein and oxidative status

of crustaceans are rarely investigated. Currently, we are looking for

a PhD candidate to work on oxidative responsiveness of Malaysian

prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii under Fundamental Research

Grant Scheme I 2014 – 2015. The successful applicant will

investigate the effect of dietary protein concentrations and quality

on the oxidative responsiveness of M. rosenbergii. The graduate

research assistantship will be available for three (3) years. For more

information, it is highly advisable to contact Dr. Md. Abdul Kader

([email protected])

Contact Name : Dr. Md. Abdul Kader

Contact Phone : + 6 09 668 5034 (ofice);

+ 6 010 9148 430 (mobile)

Contact Email : [email protected]

POSTGRADUATE STUDY

Offered by other universities

Prince of Songkla University (http://en.psu.ac.th/)

Kasetsart University (http://www.ku.ac.th/)

Can Tho University (http://www.ctu.edu.vn/en/)

Nong Lam University (http://en.hcmuaf.edu.vn/)

Airlangga Universiti (http://unair.ac.id/)

Universiti Sains Malaysia (http://www.usm.my)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (http://www.ukm.my)

Universiti Putra Malaysia (http://www.upm.edu.my)

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (http://www.ums.edu.my)

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (http://www.unimas.my)

University of Tasmania (http://www.utas.edu.au)

Kagoshima University (http://kokusai.kuas.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/kucip/)

Kinki University (http://www.kindai.ac.jp/english/)

Shanghai Ocean University (http://www.shou.edu.cn/eng/)

University of Sterling (http://www.stir.ac.uk)

Auburn University (http://www.auburn.edu)

Ghent University (http://www.ghent.be/en)

James Cook University (http://www.jcu.edu.au)

RESEARCH GRANTS

Local Funding Agencies

1. Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

i. Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)

ii. Long Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS)

iii. Prototype Research Grant Scheme (PRGS)

iv. Malaysia Lab for Academia-Business Collaboration Scheme

(MyLAB)

v. Research Acculturation Grant Scheme (RAGS)

vi. Research Acculturation Collaborative Effort (RACE)

Applications open yearly. Refer to MOHE for further info.

2. Ministry of Science, Technology and

Innovation

i. ScienceFund

ii. TechnoFund

iii. InnoFund

iv. Flagship Program

Applications open yearly. Refer to MOSTI for further info.

3. Yayasan Sime Darby

(http://www.yayasansimedarby.com)

- Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) or the Sime Darby Foundation is

the main philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad. Over the

years, the Foundation has expanded its wings from offering

scholarships to outstanding and deserving individuals to

OpportunityAuthor | MUHD DANISH DANIEL

52

funding impactful conservation, outreach and development

program.

- The completed project proposal should be uploaded to YSD’s

website: http://yayasansimedarby.com/project_application.

aspx.

- Speciic deadlines for proposal submission can be

found on YSD’s website: http://www.yayasansimedarby.

com/1112130808%C2%BBYSD_Sponsorship_FAQ.aspx.

- You may include other information that may assist YSD in gain-

ing a better understanding of your proposal.

4. Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mi-

zan (http://ypasm.my/)

- The YPASM provides grants to Malaysian scientists from re-

search institutions and institutions of higher learning to conduct

research in the Antarctic and Arctic regions as well as analytical

research at Malaysian institutions.

- Research is conducted in the Arctic, Antarctica and Southern

Ocean regions in the disciplines including biology, ecology,

atmospheric science, earth and ocean sciences, astronomy

and astrophysics.

- Refer to the website for grant application guidelines.

International Funding Agencies

1. Malaysia TORAY Science Foundation

(www.mtsf.org)

- The Foundation assists scientists and researchers from

academic areas through grants. In addition, it awards prizes to

those persons whose outstanding achievements have contrib-

uted to scientiic and technological progress.

- The completed Application Form must reach the Foundation

on or before 31 May of each year. Late entry and incomplete

forms will not be processed.

2. Loreal-UNESCO Awards for Women in

Science

- The L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science aims to

improve the position of women in science by recognizing out-

standing women researchers who have contributed to scientiic

progress. The awards are a result of a partnership between

the French cosmetics company L’Oréal and the United Nations

Educational, Scientiic and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and

carry a grant of 100,000 USD for each laureate.

3. UNESCO-Loreal International Fellowships

- UNESCO-L’Oréal International Fellowships providing up to

40,000 USD in funding over two years to ifteen young

women scientists engaged in exemplary and promising

research projects.

List of Conferences Related to Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences

(September 2015 – September 2016)

NAME OF CONFERENCE ORGANIZER COUNTRY DATE

2015

2nd International Conference on AquacultureAgro Business Industry and Agritourism 2015 International Postgraduate Network Thailand 4-5 September 2015

XV European Congress of Ichthyology Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) Portugal 7-11 September 2015

2nd International Sea Trout Symposium Inland Fisheries Ireland & DCAL Ireland 20-22 October 2015

International Conference of Aquaculture Indonesia 2015 Indonesia Aquaculture Society Indonesia 29-31 October 2015

The XIII International Symposium on Aquaculture Nutrition In Sonora State University Mexico 11-13 November 2015

International Fisheries Symposium 2015 USM & UMT Malaysia 1-4 December 2015

2016

Aquaculture 2016 World Aquaculture Society USA 22-26 February 2016

International Conference on Marine Science and Aquaculture UMS Malaysia 23 March 2016

Asia-Paciic Aquaculture 2016 World Aquaculture Society Indonesia 26-29 April 2016

7th World Fisheries Congress: Challenge to Sustainable Fisheries and Safe Seafoods

Korean Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries Korea 23-27 May 2016

Aquaculture Summit OMICS International Malaysia 11-13 July 2016

Annual Symposium of the Fisheries Society of the British Isles: Fish, Genes and Genomes- Contributions to Evolution and Management Bangor University

United Kingdom 18-22 July 2016

17th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference (11AFAF) NACA & Asian Fisheries Society Thailand 3-7 August 2016

53

Job Vacancies

Aquatic Enterprise Co. was established in 2001 and commenced business thereafter. Aquatic Enterprise Co. is in the forefront in the support of the local shrimp farming industry through the provision of quality aquaculture products, both hatchery and grow-out and technical advise on biotechnology and microbiology matters through its advance shrimp diagnostic laboratories, the irst of its kind in Borneo. Aquatic Enterprise Co. has established branches in Johor, Sarawak

and Sabah to better service to our valued customer.

ContactAquatic EnterpriseNo.285, Lot 3181, Ground & 1st Floor,Block 11, Jalan Kedandi, Tabuan Dusun,93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.Tel: 6-082-365370Fax: 6-082-365037

Email: [email protected]

54

Trapia Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a joint venture corporation between Genomar AS (Norway) and SADC (Malaysia). Trapia is acronym for Traceable Tilapia which allows for products to be traceable and veriiable throughout the value chain through proprietary DNA technology. Headquartered in Malaysia, the company was granted the right to operate its eco-friendly farm in

the pristine rainforest-fed fresh water lakes of Tasik Temenggor of the Perak River system.

Blue Archipelago is a knowledge driven organization and we value human capital strongly. We believe the power of people drives the success of the organization. Hence, we are seeking for dedicated and creative individuals to work in a fast pace,

dynamic and team-oriented environment. Please check out the vacancies section for the latest employment opportunities.

Positions available: 1. Production Supervisor (Setiu, Terengganu and Kerpan, Kedah)2. Chargeman (Setiu, Terengganu and Kerpan, Kedah)3. Manager, Facilities (Terengganu – Setiu, Terengganu)4. Manager, Domestic Sales & Marketing (Location: Kedah / Selangor / Terengganu)5. Manager, Farm Production (Location: Terengganu)

6. Manager, Processing Plant (Location: Terengganu)

HEADQUARTERS

No 3 Jalan Perindustrian Puchong,Bandar Metro Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor.Tel : +60 (3) 8074 7555Fax : +60 (3) 8074 7755

FARMLOCATION: TASIK TEMENGGOR BANDING, GERIK, PERAKPositions available:

1) Growout Manager and Assistant Manager2) Diver3) Maintenance Technician

4) Hatchery Manager

PROCESSING PLANTLOCATION: PARIT BUNTAR, PERAKPositions available:

1) Technician

2) Sales Manager

Feel free to apply through online application system or email: [email protected]

55

JOIN USFOR A UNIQUE

FIELD OF STUDIES FOR

by coursework

at

EXPERIENCELay the path to future success

with us and experience oceanic exploration at its best.

UMT offers both undergraduate and post-graduate courses from Diploma,

Bachelor, Master and Ph.D programs in areas of

Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, Fundamental

Sciences, Informatics and Apllied Mathematics,

Marine and Environmental Sciences, Food

Science and Technology, Social Development and

Economics, Maritime Business and Management

and Ocean Engineering

•Aquaculture •Fisheries•Aquatic Science •Biochemistry•Biodiversity and Conservation

•Biotechnology •Botany•Cell and Molecular Biology •Ecology•Genetics •Microbiology •Physiology

•Zoology •Chemical Sciences•Chemical Technology

•Environmental Technology and Management •Physics •Remote Sensing

•Marine Science •Maritime Studies •Maritime Technology •Oceanography

•Computer Science •Mathematical Sciences •Animal Science •Crop Science •Food Science •Post Harvest Technology

•Accounting •Economics •Finance •Management •Marketing •Applied

Linguistic •Communication •Counselling •Philosophy and Civilisation •Social Studies

•Master of Science (Aquaculture)•Master of Management (Integrated

Coastal Zone)•Master in Business Administration (MBA)

•Master of Science in Sustainable Tropical Fisheries•Master of Counselling

39

5

UMT

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS

MASTERPROGRAMS