(MY) Seahorse rescue

August 25, 2005

New Straits Times » Local

Galloping to seahorse rescue

JOHOR BARU, Sun-22nd Aug.2005

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The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) is willing to work with a group of

conservationists to save a seagrass bed at Tanjung Kupang which is a habitat

of seahorses.

The eight-hectare area is located within the port waters on the eastern side

of the Pulai estuary, a place that is earmarked for development.

PTP has asked the Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Action Committee to submit a

proposal on ways to protect the area, which is also a feeding ground for sea

cows and storks.

SOS consultant marine biologist Choo Chee Kuang, a pioneer researcher on the

seahorse population in Johor, said the seagrass bed — the largest in the

country — should be regarded as a national heritage.

" As a breeding area rich in marine life, it provides an important source of

livelihood for the coastal fishing community. Re-planting a seagrass bed of

this size may cost close to RM3 million, " Choo said. He added that the

seagrass bed also helped prevent coastal erosion.

A survey conducted by him indicated only about 400 seahorses left in the

Pulai estuary.

Choo was speaking to reporters at Kampung Melayu Arang after a media trip

organised by SOS. Present were Malaysian Nature Society chairman Lim Teong

Kheng, PTP deputy chief executive Capt Ismail Hashim and Kg Melayu Arang

village security and development chairman Mohd Ali Sarno.

Ismail said PTP would have to study the proposal by SOS, adding it was

supportive of the group’s cause.

But he said other development was also coming up in the area, hence any

action taken would have to be in line with the State Government’s

initiatives.

Mohd Ali claimed fishermen had reported a 50 per cent drop in catches since

the area was developed six years ago.

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