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SAM maintains stand to oppose sturgeon project

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is aghast at the government’s decision to go ahead with the sturgeon fish farm even though a detailed impact assessment (DEIA) is still pending.

 

SAM has questioned before and still  questions as to how a decision was made even  before  a feasibility study is carried out on the impact of the large scale project.    

 

The government should not rush into signing a memorandum with the South Korean company before studying all relevant aspects including the importance of having preventive measures against escaped Acipenser species.

 

There are no consultations whatsoever with stakeholders, including groups representing the villagers’ interests, who were clearly worried with the suggestion to establish the sturgeon project in Sungai Tembeling near Kuala Tahan. A decision can only be arrived at after completing the consultation process.

 

SAM is deeply puzzled at the decision by the Fisheries Department to make an exception to the rule by allowing the import of this prohibited fish species. They should not have arrived at this decision without carrying out a risk assessment study or research into the species to be brought in.  

Reference should be made to the alien species guide under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Malaysia Quarantine, Inspections and Services (Maqis) which lists Acipenser as a prohibited fish.

 

The  Fisheries Department should not remain adamant in its stand to make allowance for the acipenser without any public consensus reached. It is a fact that exotic sturgeon escapes may cause severe ecological problems such as breeding and the spread of diseases and parasites, threatening native fish stocks, yet it is even more puzzling as to why the Fisheries Department is giving an exception to this prohibited species.

 

Since sturgeon is under the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) it would be interesting to note where the sturgeons or their eggs are sourced from. In time to come will this lead to illegal trade and smuggling of this fish and their roe?

 

As far as SAM is concerned, Felda stakeholders, the Agriculture Ministry and Department of Fisheries have yet to invite or engage any civil society groups, NGOs and other relevant parties   to consult on or discuss at the earliest stage of the decision making process, provide adequate information about the project and give due consideration to the representations and views expressed by individuals and civil society groups.

 

SAM does not  agree with policies that will bring negative implication for the villagers and the ecosystem. Only policies that protects the rights of the affected people and the environment should be rightly implemented and not  decisions that maximises profits.

 

In view of the negative implications, SAM urges the government and the authorities for an immediate halt to the sturgeon project.   

 


 

SM MOHAMED IDRIS is president, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM).

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