Recent development and management of artificial reefs (ARs) in Malaysia

Artificial reefs (ARs) have been established in Malaysian fisheries waters since 1975 using various materials such as discarded tyres, derelict and confiscated fishing vessel, reinforced concrete, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), fiberglass reinforce concrete (FRC), fiberglass, ceramic, combination of several materials (reef balls) as well as abandon oil platform. They are used as a possible tool for fisheries management in maximizing resource enhancement, resource conservation, habitat rehabilitation and mitigating as well as one of the steps to alleviate the problem of depleting fish resources in the coastal waters. This paper outline the historical and the recent trend on development and management of artificial reefs (ARs) program in Malaysia which was carried out by four main departments ie. the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DoFM), Fisheries Development Authority Board of Malaysia (FDAM), Marine Park Department (MPD) and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). A study to understand the developmental changes in ARs technology especially in the design, construction, installation, material used, where these changes were caused by past management policy on ARs development was done. Data and information that was gathered from past published and unpublished papers/technical reports/annual reports mostly written by officers and researchers were reviewed to support the study. Initial monitoring on the fish catches using the latest design of the artificial reefs on few locations was also done. Study shows that continuous research and development as well as management experiences by Malaysia for more than 35 years has resulted in major modifications in ARs technology especially in the design, construction, installation, pre and post-deployment monitoring, as well as material used. It was found that, the four agencies have different in their policy objectives and guidelines in ARs management concerning the material used, deployment and assessment. It seemed that the concept and purpose of establishing ARs from the beginning was also not clearly defined by these agencies and has cause unsustainable way in managing the ARs. Initial results also indicated that using the latest design of artificial reefs has shown some better potential in the type of fish catches and it can be further developed by managing the ARs in a sustainable manner.