Mameng trade raises concerns over dwindling wild population
SEMPORNA: Growing tourism demand for endangered fish species could put further pressure on their dwindling wild populations.
Semporna: Concerns rise over dwindling wild populations of endangered fish species due to tourism-driven demand. The humphead wrasse, or mameng in local language, is classified as Endangered and traded internationally. At Semporna's fish market, tourists purchase mameng, driving pressure on its limited wild populations. Marine biologist Dr Achier Chung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah warns that this demand could lead to illegal fishing in protected areas or imports from countries like the Philippines.
Both China and the Philippines have banned mameng sales. Sabah Fishery Department is considering bans or stricter policies, pending a resource assessment. While domestic trade is allowed, the state lacks population data for humphead wrasse in the wild. UMS has attempted aquaculture for nine years but struggles with a shortage of male fish, making hatchery breeding a potential solution to reduce wild harvesting.
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