jabatan perikanan sarawak

ASSESSMENT OF RECREATIONAL FISHING
AREAS OF SARAWAK, MALAYSIA
Albert,C.G.
1994. Asst:ssment of recreational
Proc. Fish. Res.
fishing areas of Sarawak, Malaysia.
Calif., DOF. Mal., IV: 173-189.
The objectives
available
of the present study are to assess tht: pott:ntial areas, fishing grounds and species
for recreational
K.K.MANCHONG.
line fishing.
Fishing was carried
out
using the
research
vessel,
Gears used included the spool and line and fishing rod and reel using two to
three hooks per line. The overall average catch rate was 34 tails per station with individual station
ranging from 0 to 263 tails per station. The highest catch and most productive grounds were located
in subarea III and IV. Dorminant
families
sharks,
Tachysuridae,
Serranidae,
Spyraenidae,
included
the
Lu~anidae.
Plectoryncidae,
Lethrinidae,
Carangidae.
and Sparida •. The average
size
recorded was 48 cm or 1.4 kg. Active bites were mainly at dawn and dusk. Squids were considered
the bt:st baits. When looking for fishing grounds. some of the features to look for are the coral and
rocky areas, sea mounts, islands, tyre reefs, sunken vessels and floating buoys or logs. Considering
the vast suitable
recreational
physical
features
of
Sarawak
coast, there is a tremendous
potential
for
line fishing.
Kajian ini bertujuan mentaksir ka,,:,asan berpotensi penangkapan
yang ada. Kajian dijalankan
menguna kapal penyelidikan,
ikan secara rekreasi dan jenis ikan
K.K.MANCHONG.
Alat penangkapan
ikan yang digunakal1 adalah ' spool and line' dan - fishing rod and reels' dengan dua hingga tiga mata
kail satu tali. Keselumhan
kadar tangkapan
adalah 34 ekorlstesen
stesen adalah diantara 0 hingga 263 ekorlstesen.
terdapat di subkawasan
Lethrinidae.
Sparidae.
Carangidae.
dan tangkapan
untuk satu-satu
Tangkapan terbanyak dan kawasan yang
III dan IV. Kumpulan jenis ikan yang terbanyak termasuk
ikan yu, Serranidae.
Spyraenidae.
Tachysuridae,
Purata saiz ikan yang ditangkap adalah 48 cm atau 1.4 kg beratnya.
produktif
Lutjanidae,
Plectoryncidae
dan
Waktu makan yang
terhaik adalah pada awal malam dan pagi. Umpan yang paling haik adalah sotong. Kawasan yang
s"sllai lIntuk lIl"man~ing lennasuk halll karang. kawasan h"rhatu. hukit di dasar
laut, pulau-pulau,
tuklln tiruan, kapal t"nggelalll dan p"nanda hUlly atall kayu t"rapl1ng. 1\'1"mandangkan kawasan dasar
lalll yang s"suai amatlah hlas di Sarawak. pot"nsi dan p"rkemhangan
hagi penangkapan
ikan secara
r"kreasi adalah h"sar.
Sarawak
has one
of
the most extensive
coastline in Malaysia covering a distance of
approximately 1,000 km. The main coastline
however, extends from Tanjong Datu in the
SOllthwest to Kuala Baram in the northeast. A
smaller section of the coastline lies between
Brunei and Sabah. The seas off Sarawak has a
great potential for recreational fishing. Between
Tanjong Datu and Tanjong Po, there are several
islands which are already familiar to recreational
fishermen. Some paljts of the coastal zone has
. extensive
undersea
coral reefs and rocky
bottom especially off Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
There are several offshore reef areas, such as the
groups of reefs known as the Beting Patinggi Ali
and Beting Raja Jarom located about 110 nautical
miles north of Bintulu. Located 160 nautical
miles northwest of Labuan there is the LayangLayang
reef
islands.
Most
of Sarawak
continental shelf extends to 200 nautical miles
offshore. Such geographical features provide a
variety of fish
resources
for
anglers,
handliners
and other
recreational
fishing
activities.
Fish groups available CQuid be the
highly sort-after Aron (Sciaenidae) of the coastal
area; reef fishes such as snappers and groupers;
the mobile pelagic fish such as the Spanish
mackerel and barracudas; and the deep water
fish such as the large yellow fin tuna.
Recreational fishing as the name implies is
fishing for recreational purpose, and for sport
fishing instead
of wholly catching fish for
profitable purpose as in commercial fishing. The
Recreational
Fishing
Advisory
Committee,
Western
Australia
(1990)
has
defined
recreational fishing as "To aim to catch a feed
for oneself and family and for a: variety of
personal
reasons to enjoy
the experience
along the way". There are many factors which
attract people to recreational fishing such as
fishing
for.
food,
relaxation,
solitude,
companionship, sport, 'adventure, escape from
modern pressures, competition, enjoyment of
environment and the chance to develop skill with
tackle and an affinity with particular species.
Patrick Pomer (1992) pointed out that for many
recreational anglers (or handliners) the actual
benefit derived from catching an additional fish
is relatively small in comparison with the total
benefits of the recreational experience such as
relaxation, challenge, peace and quiet.
Recreational fishing is probably not well
known before 1973 in Sarawak. Hook and line
fishing for food must have been in existence for
a long time, since hook and line fishing is one of
the simplest form of catching fish. In 1969, fish
landing from hook and line fishing was 21 tons,
while in the early 1970's, landings were around
40 tons (Jabatan Perikanan Laut Sarawak, 1969
and 1973). From 1987 to 1991, hook and line
fishing (included both handlines and longlines)
had an average landing of 1,500 tons, about 2
percent of the total fish landing in Sarawak. The
main centres for hook and line fishing are
Lawas, Miri, Bintulu, Mukah and Belawai. Fish
landings
consisted
of
several
groups
(Appendix 1) and the most dorrninant groups
were the lutjanids, tunas, serranids, rays, sharks,
and carangids.
A compilation of articles for Marine Sport
Fishing by Dr. Su,C.K. (1985) provides a
comprehensive record on the development of
recreational
fishing in Sarawak. The Sarawak
Boat Club based at Kuching is probably the
. only registered sport club that is involved with
recreational fishing. The club caters to the needs
of boat-lovers in Kuching as well as for sports
fisherman, shooters, scuba-divers or those who
simply love the sea (Su, C.K., 1985). At present
the club has more than 300 members and the
number is expected to increase in the future
(Pers. comm.).
Itowever, there
are
many
more individuals not only in Kuching Division,
but also in other Divisions such as Bintulu and
Miri, who are involved in recreational fishing.
During weekends, there are always groups of
4 to 10 people renting a small trawler or fishing
'kotak' going out for a night fishing (Personnel
Observation). The cost could
be
around
MR$200 to MR$600 per night to rent a boat
from the fishing village like Gobil, Muara
Tebas, Santubong, Lundu and Sematan.
The popular fishing grounds for anglers in
Kuching Division include Pulau Lakei,
Pulau
Satang,
Cruiser Rock off Tanjong Sipang,
the
SUnkened Wreck (Sunkened World War II
Japanese Vessel), Pulau Sempadi, Pulau TalangTalang and the coastal rocks extending from
Tanjong Datu to Tanjong Po. The fish groups
caught were the snapper, grouper, parrotfish,
catfish, emperor, aron, stingray, shovelnose
shark (ray group), trevally, spanish mackerel,
shark, barracuda and tuna. The Sarawak Boat
Club boasts of landing a black marlin weighing
70 kg at the sunkened wreck in 1985.
The objectives of the present study are to
assess the potential areas, fishing grounds and
species available for recreational fishing. The
information
obtained
is
useful
in
the
development
of
recreational fishing industry
in Sarawak.
bites during the first 30 minutes, the boat would
heaved anchore and moved to the next site.
When there were good bites, the boat would only
leave the site until there were no more bites.
Fishing was carried out using KK Manchong, a
research
vessel
of the Department of
Fisheries
Malaysia based at the Fisheries
Research Centre Bintawa, Sarawak. The vessel
has a displacement of 150 GRT, a length of 27.5
metres, a 900 Hp Yanmar diesel engine and a
maximum speed of 12 knots. The open deck and
space around the wheel house provide suitable
place for line fishing.
Two main types of line fishing were used:
(i) Spool and line;
(ii) fishing rod and reel.
The spool and line type used a PE monofilament
which can stand a breaking load ranging from 80
lb to 150 lb. This is the most suitable range
because smaller than 80 Ib, the line get entangled
easily, and less convenient to haul manually by
hand.
Whereas bigger than 150 Ib, the line
needs a bigger weight to sink to the bottom
against water current. A larger line also needs a
bigger spool to accomodate. The fishing rod and
reel type used 40 to 60 lb line. Each line had two
to three hooks ranging from size 3 to size 7.
Lead weight used ranged from 200 to 400 gm
depending on the current condition and depth of
water.
At each station
fishing
was carried out by 6
to 12 persons with an average of 8 persons
per station. Three fishing rods and reels were
normally used per station, while the rest used the
simple spools and lines.
Fishing was carried out both at night and
day time.
From experience,
daytime
bites
Were relatively poor compare to night
time.
Usually fishing time were from 1800 to 2400
hours and from 0400 to 0800 hours. However,
it Was also common that fishing was carried
o~t throughout the night especially when the
bites Were good.
At each
anchored first
sp~nt fishing
actIVeness of
site or station, the boat was
before fishing started. The time
on each station depended on the
the bites. When there were no
The area surveyed is divided into 5 subareas
(Fig. 1).
Fishing sites were generally decided
based on the following features: undulating or
jagged bottom, hard or rock bottom, untrawlable
ground, presence of good echo traces as shown
in the echo sounder, reef areas as shown on the
chart, sunken vessels, edge of a valley and sea
mounts. These features, when not marked on the
chart, is located using the echo sounder. The area
and sites covered are shown in Fig. 1.
The most common bait used was squid, either
frozen or fresh. Depending on size, the smaller
squid was used whole, while the larger squid
was cut into suitable sizes. The second common
bait used was fish which was also cut into
suitable sizes. Sometimes, though prawns were
used as baits.
For each station fish caught were recorded in
terms of number of tails for each group/species.
Individual fish were measured for length and
weight. The other information recorded were
time fishing, water depQ?, and position of fishing
site.
All fishing data from 1987 to 1992 were
combined
and
analysed together. Between
1987 to 1991, line
fishing was carried out
together (on a parttime basis) with the other
surveys such as the demersal and pelagic fish
resource surveys.
Only in October, 1992, line
fishing was carried out on a systematic basis for
two weeks but covered only subarea I. The data
analysis was carried out to obtain the catch rate
(tails per station) for the overall area and by
subareas,
species
composition
and size
composition. Fish behaviour in relation to
fishing time and baits were also analysed.
group was present in almost
equal
abundant
in all types of environment.
The distribution and abundance of the most
common groups were a<; follows:The overall
average
catch per station was 34
tails. For individual station the highest catch was
at station 40 in subarea III with 263 tails. The
catch within the surveyed area ranged from 0 to
263 tails per station. The highest average catch
rate was recorded in subarea III with 72 tails
per
station, followed by subarea IV with 41
tails per station and subarea I & II with 21
tails per station. The range and average catch
rate is shown in Table 1.
Productive areas seemed to be concentrated
in only one spot in subarea I (between Tanjong
Po and Tanjong Datu), but more widespread in
subarea III and IV (between Tanjung Sirik and
Bintulu) (Fig. 2). There were four stations in
subarea III and IV, where the catch was more
than lUO tails per station compared to only one
station in subarea I. Overall, subarea III and IV
seemed to be the most productive areas. Most
stations in subarea I had a catch of less than 5
tails per station.
SPECIES
COMPOSITION
DISTRIBUTION
In the surveyed area, 18 main groups were
recorded (Table 2). Out of these, the nine most
abundant groups were the following families:
Lutjanidae,
Lethrinidae,
Carangidae;
sharks,
Serranidae,
Spyraenidae,
Tachysuridae,
Plectoryncidae and Sparidae (Table 3). They
occupied from 5 to 23 percent of the total catch.
The catch rate of the groups ranged from 2 tails
per station to 8 tails per station. The most
abundant group was the lutjanids with a catch
rate of 8 tails per station followed by lethrinids
(5 tails per station), carangids (4 tails per station)
and sharks (4 tails per station) (Table 2).
The most common groups present in each
subarea is shown in Fig. 3. It seemed that almost
the same groups were present in abundance in
each subarea.
However, the
abundance of
groups such as the carangids and tachysurids
seemed to be associated with mud substrates in
subarea I and II. In subarea 1II, IV and V,the
substrates consisted of rocks, corals and reefs.
The groups associated
with
this type of
substrates
were
the
lutjanids,
serranids,
lethrinids, spyraenids and sparids. The shark
Most abundant group with catch rate of 8
tails/station and occupied 23 percent of the total
catch. Fairly widespread over all the subareas.
The group was concentrated in one spot in
subarea I, but more widespread and abundant in
subarea III and IV.
Second most abundant group with catch rate of 5
tails per station and occupied 14 percent of the
total catch. Concentrated in one spot in subarea
I, but more widespread and abundance in
subarea III and IV.
Third most abundant group with catch rate of
4 tails per
station. Also concentrated in one
spot in subarea I, but most abundant and
widespread in subarea III and IV.
The next most abundant group after the
carangids with catch rate of 4 tails per station
and occupied I! percent of the total catch. Most
widespread and found in all subareas.
This rock grouper group is the fifth most
abundant with catch rate of 3 tails per station.
Concentrated in one spot in subarea I, but
widespread and most abundant in subarea III and
IV.
This group had a catch rate of 2 tails per
stations. Abundant in subarea II, III, IV and V
with catch rate ranging from 2 tails to 29 tails
per station. Distribution was more inclined
towards deeper water.
This catfish group with catch rate of 2 tails per
station, is most abundant in subarea I and II
being associated with mud substrate. Less
abundance in subarea III and IV.
Catch rate was about 2 tails per station.
Concentrated in one spot in subarea I, but
widespread in subarea III and IV.
This group is common in subarea III and IV
only. Catch rate was also about 2 tails per
station.
The mean length and weight for each species and
their range of sizes are shown in Table 4 and
Table 5. The largest fish caught in terms
of
length was the barracuda,
Spyraena jello,
having a size of 124 cm,
followed by the
barred spanish mackerel, Lybium commersoni,
with total length of 105 cm. In terms of weight
the largest fish caught was the shark (Family:
Carcharhinidae) weighing 19 kg followed by
snapper (Lutjanus sp.) weighing 12.5 kg. The
overall mean length was 48 cm and overall mean
weight was 1.4 kg. In terms of length the
tachysurids and shark on average were larger
than the rest of the groups with overall mean
length of 73-75 cm. In terms of weight, the
snappers and serranids
were larger with an
overall mean weight of 1.7 - 1.8 kg per tail.
Most of the fishing were carried out at night.
This was because the frequency of bites were
better at night than day time. Normally the best
time for fishing was early evening (dusk)
between 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm and early morning
(dawn) between 4.00 am to 8.00 am.
It
was
observed
that
large
piscivorous predators
like the lutjanids,
lethrinids,
pomasdasyidae,
carangidae,
serranidae,
plectorynchidae
seemed to be
particularly active at dusk and dawn period.
Bites Were particularly active around 6.00 pm to
9.00 pm and tapered off toward midnight and
active again at dawn around 4.00 to 8.00 am.
Towards midnight, the larger predators like
the sharks
and spyraenidae (barracuda) were
very active.
The present study 'l1so observed that when
the larger piscivorous fish like the sharks and
barracuda came, there would be less bites and
less activity from other smaller fish.
Good bites normally did not last for long
lasting from a few minutes to probably 1 hour
depending on the types of fishing ground and
the availability of fish school. Sometimes you
might fish for one hour or throughout the night
and day with a few bites only or none at all.
Good fishing took place when the water
was 'right'. That is, when the current was not
too fast.
The fast current was encountered
during the incoming high or low tide. When the
current was too fast, the line would 'fly' and
needed a heavier lead weight. Even then. the bite
were normally very poor when the current was
very fast.
Squids could be considered a universal baits
since the majority of fish would prefer squid.
Fish meat was also relatively good especially
when the fishing ground is new. Generally,
whole squid of the right size would be better
than chopped squid. When using fish meat, the
shape was also important in order to attract fish.
Generally, baits chopped in the' long-shape' or
resemble a small fish was better than just a
squared or rounded shape. The
shape of
baits was important especially in popular fishing
grounds when competing with several fishing
lines. Fresh baits were always better than frozen
or rotten-baits. In certain situation or for certain
group of fish, fresh prawn was used as bait, but
sometime prawn broke off the hook easily.
The overall
average
catch per station was
34 tails.
The catch
for individual station,
however, ranged from 0 to 263 tails per station.
Comparing the subareas. the highest catch rate
was at subarea III (72 tails per station), followed
by subarea IV (40 tails per station). while
subarea I and 11had a relatively low catch rate
(21 tails per station). The distribution pattern of
catch rate can be used as a guide to the potential
areas
and
productive
grounds for the
development of recreational fishing (Fig. 2).
Productive fishing grounds as shown by the
distribution of catch rate are more widespread in
subarea
III
and
IV (Fig. 2). These two
subareas extends from Tanjong Sirik to Miri. The
majority of the stations had a catch rate of more
than 20 tails per station. The highest overall
catch rate is located here with 72 tails per
station. Infact, the highest catch for individual
station (263 tails) was also recorded in these two
subareas. The demersal trawl surveys showed
that a large part of the area between Tanjong
Sirik and Miri is untrawlable due to the presence
of hard rock, corals and sea mounts (Albert,
1986). These physical features such as hard
rock, corals, sea mounts and under sea valleys
and cliffs are known for their high productivity
(e.g. Alevizon. er al .. 1989. Relini, er ai ..
1989). The area between Bintuiu and Mlri, is
dotted with undersea reefs. The presence of
these undersea physical features explains why
this area provides productive fishing grounds for
hook and line fishing. The physical features like
reefs and coral not only attract fish normally
associated with corals such as the lutjanids,
lethrinids, serranids. balistids and Plectoryncidae
but also attract the mobile pelagic fish such as
the barracudas, the trevallys, sharks and tunas.
In subarea L between Tanjong Po and
Tanjong
Datu,
the productive
ground. is
concentrated in one s'mall area, where the seabed
consisted of rocks and probably old corals. The
majority of the area in subarea I, however. is not
as productive where most stations have a catch
of less than 5 tails per station. For most of the
area, the substrate consisted of mud. This is the
area where the largest rivers like the Sarawak
river, Batang Lupar and Rejang river discharged
their load of mud. However, north of Sematan,
the sea area sometimes consisted of sand.
Generally, because of the bottom physical
features, subarea I is less productive than
subarea III and IV for hook and Iine fishing.
The dominant
families such as the
Lutjanidae,
Lethrinidae,
Carangidae,
Serranidae,
Spyraenidae,
Plectoryncidae
and
Sparidae are those groups that are normally
associated with coral reefs or hard rock bottoms.
As such, they are relatively abundant in areas
between Tanjong Sirik to Miri (Subal\:a III and
IV) where a large part of the area has undersea
coral reefs and hard-rock bottom. In areas where
the seabed consisted of mud, the family
Tachysuridae
(large catfish) is abundant.
Tachysurids are found in abundance mostly in
subarea I, especially north of Tanjong Sipang
and Tanjong Po.
Another common group, the shark is found
in all the subareas which show that they are
more mobile. Another mobile pelagic fish, the
Spyraenidae (barracudas) seemed to be more
associated with coral or reef area.
Most of the fish cl!'lght has an average size
of 48 cm and an average weight of 1.4 kg.
Occassionally,
however, an exceptionally large
fish is caught.
For example, although most
sharks caught were around 1.7 kg, there is one
tail which weighed 19 kg. The largest snapper
(Lutjanidae) caught weighed 12.5 kg, the largest
barracuda (Spyraenidae) caught weighed 10 kg
and the largest rock grouper (Serranidae) caught
weighed 7.5 kg.
Suitable fishing time is related to the
behaviour of fish such as the swimming and
feeding activity. Boulenger (1927) through
Woodhead
(1966)
observed
that
most
e1asmobranch (e.g. sharks) and teleosts (bony
fish) were more active at night. Some teleost
species like
the
seabream.
PaKella
centrodontus were more active at night. The
present study showed that active bites were at
dusk (6.00pm to 1O.00pm) and at dawn 4.00 am
to 8.00am) especially for those groups that stay
at the bottom
such
as
the
lutjanids,
lethrinids, Serranidae and the Plectorynchidae
group. The sharks and till: spyraenids were more
active later at night when most other groups
were not active anyinore. Most of the abundant
families were caught in coral reef, hard bottom,
and sea mount area and therefore suitable fishing
time would be related to the behaviour of fish in
these type of seabed. The activity pattern of the
vast diversity of coral reef fishes have been well
described (Hobson, 1975; McFarland, 1986). The
freeswimming
groups
like
the
Scaridae,
Ancanthuridae, Balistidae, Chaetodontidae and
Labridae are active during the day, while the
bottom
dwellers
like
the
Lutjanidae,
Pomadasysidae,
Holocentridae and Sciaenidae
are active at night but settle down during the
day. Hobson (1965) also described that most of
the free swimmers
which
were usually
herbivorous or omnivorous feed during
day
,.
-
.
,,'-
{
•
I
.~
time, while the bottom
dwellers
which
were mostly piscivorous predators feed at night
time. In those group associated with mud
substrate, such as Tachysuridae and Sciaenidae,
in subarea I, active bites are mostly at night
time.
Those
pelagic group
like the
Scomberomeridae (Spanish mackerel) and tuna
being a visual feeders are active during the day
time when they are usually caught by trolling.
The effectiveness of baits depends on the
type of fishing ground (rocky, muddy, sandy or
coral-reef
areas). The best bait is squids
especially
when fresh. Squid
could be
considered
a universal
bait as most
piscivorous and omnivorous fish would take it.
Fish like sharks, barracudas, spanish mackerel,
lethrinids,
serranids,
sciaenids, lutjanids,
scarids and balistids would take squid. Infact the
whole 18 groups of fish recorded in Table 2 and
3 prefer squids. Fresh whole squids of medium
size is best especially for coral fish. Bigger
group such as the sharks and serranids prefer
single whole large-size squid. For other medium
size fish, chopped squid is equally good. In new
areas, most demersal fish would take even the
non-fresh squid as baits. Fresh fish, whole or
chopped as meat chunk, is also good for baits
especially for coral fish and those groups that are
associated with mud substrate such as the
tachysurids (cat fish) and the freeswimming
group such as the shark and barracudas. 'When
cutting squid or fish for baits the shape of the
cut is important. Fish is more attracted to the
shape
that
resembles
a
small
fish.
Something" long and oblong" is better than just a
chunk or square-shaped.
Some local anglers found that fresh prawn
was a good bait especially for Aron (Sciaenidae)
(Su,C.K., 1985). However, prawn baits when
not properly hook, get off the hook easily.
When looking for fishing grounds it is
advisable to look for undersea features that
normally attract fish. Natural features such as
coral reefs, rock bottom, sea mounts, edge of
undersea
cliff,
edge of continental shelves,
valleys and small islands normally
have
Upwelling current rich in nutrients and are
usually productive areas. Subarea III and IV
(from Tanjong Sirik to Miri) have plenty of coral
~eefs, rock bottom, and sea mounts and are
Ideal place
for anglers and handline fishing.
Artificial features such as artifical reefs
)
•••
-",....
made from tyres, buoys, sunken vessels and oil
rig are some of the features that act as fish
attracting devices (FADs), both for demersal
and freeswimming
pelagic fish. In subarea I
between Tanjong Datu and Tanjong Po, there are
two artifical reef sites made by the Department
of Fisheries Sarawak and a World War II sunken
vessel. These sites have become a popular area
for anglers.
Generally, there is a tremendous potential
for recreational fishing considering the vast sea
areas and the suitable seabed features (such as
rocks, corals, sea mounts and valleys) that are
home to several species of fish suitable for line
fishing.
There is a need to develop the
recreational fishing industry to cater to the
growing interest in this type of fishing.
The overall average catch was 34 tails per
station, while the catch for individual station
ranged from 0 to 263 tails per station. The
highest catch rate was in subarea ill and IV,
while the lowest catch rate was in subarea I and
II.
Productive fishing grounds were more
widespread in subarea III and IV. In subarea I
and II, there was less productive ground and
mainly concentrated in one spot. Productive
grounds were related to seabed type such as hard
rocks, corals, sea-mounts and other undersea
physical features such as sunkened vessels. In
subarea I and II, where the seabed consisted of
mud, the area is less productive.
Dorminant
families
were
the
Lutjanidae,
Lethrinidae,
Carangidae,
sharks,
Serranidae,
Sphyraenidae,
Tachysuridae,
Plectorynchidae,
and Sparidae.
Except for
Tachysuridae
and
sharks, most of the
dorminant groups
are
those
normally
associated with corals, reefs and rock seabed.
Fish caught had an average size of 48 em
and average weight of 1.4 kg. The largest fish
caught was a shark weighing 19 kg. Suitable
fishing time is related to the behaviour of fish.
Active bites were at dusk (6.00-10.00 pm) and at
dawn (4.00-8.00 am) especially for bottom
dwellers. The large predators like the sharks and
barracudas, were more active later at night.
The best bait was squids either cut or
whole.
Squids
were
taken by all the
piscivorous and omnivorous fish. Fresh fish meat
was also a good bait.
When looking for fishing ground for line
and recreational fishing, it is advisable to look
for undersea features such as corals, reefs,
rocks, sea mounts, edge of undersea cliffs and
continental
shelves,
valleys
and
islands.
Artificial features such as reef tyres, sunken
vessels and oil rigs act as fish attracting devices
(FADs).
There is a tremendous
potential
for
recreational line fishing in Sarawak and the need
to develop this type of fishing industry.
Hobson,
E.S.,
McFarland,
W.N. 1986. Light in the sea. Correlations
behaviour
of fishes and invertebrates.
Waters.
of Fisheries,
Alevizon,
artificial
Ninth
trawl
survey
August - 18th October,
Ministry of Agriculture,
W.S.
and
Gorhaun,
reefs deployment
off the Coast
of
1983). Department
Malaysia.
J.C.
1989.
Effects
of
on nearby resident fishes. Bull.
Mar. Science, 44(2): 646-661
Jabatan Perikanan
Kementerian
Jabatan Perikanan
Kementerian
Laut Sarawak,
Pertanian
1969.
Laporan Tahunan.
1973.
Laporan Tahunan.
Malaysia.
Laut Sarawak,
Pertanian, Malaysia.
August,
1992
Recreational
Fishing
1990.
Advisory
The
of issues
Department,
Sarawak (l6th
with
Zoology,
Patrick Power, 1992. Australian Fisheries, 51 No.8
Summary
Malaysian
American
26:389-401
Australia,
I wish to convey my gratitude to the Director
General of Fisheries Malaysia,
Dato' Haji
Shahrom Hj. Majid,
and the Director of
Fisheries Research Institute Penang, Mr. Ong
Kah Sin. I am indebted to the Head of Research
Centre, Fisheries Research Centre Bintawa, Mr.
Henry Opang Luhat for his invaluable advice,
help and encouragement to carry out the project.
My thanks also go to all the technical
staff, Mr. Foo Ngan Shoon (gear), Mr. Chung
Ted Jin (fish identification), Kapten Abdullah
Montol (KK MAN CHONG) and all crew of KK
MANCHONG
for their
hard
work
and
excellence cooperation.
I am also grateful to Annie PK Lim for
typing this paper and her expertise in using -the
computer.
1975. Feeding patterns among tropical reef
fishes. American Science, 63: 382-392
Committee,
for
for community
Western
recreational
discussion.
fishing.
Fisheries
108 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth 6004, 23pp
Relini, G., and Relini,
Liqurian
future
Sea
L.O.
(Northwestern
1989. Artificial
Mediterranean):
reefs in the
Aims
and
Results. Bull. Mar. Science 44(2):743-751
Su, S.K. (Dr) 1985. Bye and thanks for all the fish. A
collection of articles relating to boating,
fishing and scuba
diving in Sarawak Waters. Sarawak Boat Club, 63 pp
Woodhead, P.M.J. 1966. The behaviour of fish in relation to
light in the sea. Oceanog. Ma .. BioI. Ann. Rev., 4:337-403
PROPOSAL
FOR A RECREATIONAL
FISHING AREA
Comparing the five subareas the suitability for
recreational fishing depends on the distance
from the main base or town centre. Subarea II
and V is too far offshore and only suitable for
deepsea going boat. Subarea II and IV (between
Tanjong Sirik and Miri) has plenty of natural
coral reefs and rocky bottom and provide potetial
area for anglers and handline fishing for those
people from Miri, Bintulu, Mukan and probably
Sibu. The vast area and natural seabed features
already provide suitable area for recreational
fishing and need no enhancement of fish
popUlation within the area.
Subarea I (between Tanjong Po and
Tanjong Datu) is a suitable area
to be
developed into a recreational fishing zone.
Geographically, the area is suited nearest to
the Kuching Division where the interest in
recreational fishing is spreading fast over the
population. The boat club in Kuching boast of
more than 300 members and probably the only
~ ..
.,
-
..•
,
~
~.'
~
.
, ,
.r-
~.
recreational fishing club in Sarawak.
Although
there is
census
on
the
number
of
recreational fishermen, the increase in weekend
fishing
activity
by amteurs
anglers
and
handliners showed that there are many more
recreational
fishermen
in Kuching Division.
Kuching, Gobil/Muara Tebas, Santubong and
Sematan could be a base for
recreational
fishermen to go to the sea and shelter from the
rough weather.
Near the fishing area there are already
several seaside resorts,
like Damai Beach
Resorts, Santin Resort and other resort centres
such as Bako, Karangan and probably future
resorts at Sematan, recreational fishing could
be attractive activity for both local and foreign
tourists.
The proposed recreational area already
have popUlar sites and features for recreational
fishermen. Such sites include a World War II
sunken vessel, a rocky bottom at Cruiser Rocks,
4 main islands with their coral reefs and rocky,
coral reef bottom at Tanjong Datu. All these
sites are located closed to the shore (within 12
miles) and accessible even by small speed boat in
good weather.
The area also have two
existing artificial reefs made of tyres build by
the Marine Fisheries Department of Sarawak.
Further offshore about 30 miles from the coast,
there is a rocky area probably dying coral rock
which could be reached only by bigger baots. To
the north of Tanjong Sipang about 20 miles from
the coast there is an undersea rift valley with
depth from 70 to more than 100 metres and a
potential for deep sea anglers.
Unfortunately,
the proposed recreational
fishing area is already under heavy fishing
pressure especially
from the
commercial
trawlers and drift net fishermen and from the
survey conducted, there is a decline in fish
resource within the area. There is going to be a
conflict between recreational
and commercial
fishermen. For example, a speed boat at anchore
at night would disturb the drift nets of the kotak
fishermen.
However,
considering
the
tremendous interest of recreational fishermen
and downstream
advantage
of recreational
fishing for local fishing villages. and tourish
industry within the area, the return from
developing the the area into recreational fishing
area would probably be greater. Furthermore.
the size of proposed area is relatively small
compared to the other area where
the
•
- :
-
commercial trawlers and driftnetters can go.
There are
several practical measures to
enhance and attract fish to the area. Several
artificial reefs could be build around the area.
Permanent and semi-permanent anchored
fish
attracting
device (FADs) would
attract
the
freeswimming pelagic fish.
Foreign fishing
vessel confisticated
by
the
Marine
Fisheries Department could be sUnked within the
area. The artificial features by itself would
provide an obstacles to trawlers and driftnetters.
Given the above scenerio, tb~ area could
provide an attractive recreational fishing
for
relaxation, develop skill in chasing and catching
fish, for adventure and probably an alternative to
gold during the weekends.
Table
1:
Range of Catch and Average
Each Subarea.
Catch Rate
Number of
Station
Subarea
I
II
III
IV
v*
Range of
Catch
27
1
7
2
8
3
5
14
(tails per station)
-
for
Average Catch
Rate
113
81
263
119
80
1
Table 2: Average Catch Rate (tails per station) of Fish Groups by Subarea
Overall
SUBAREA
No. of Stations:
I
II
III
IV
V
Catch Rate
27
7
8
14
1
57
GROUPS:
BALISTIDAE
0.11
2.57
0.75
0.14
·
0.51
CARANGIDAE
4.19
0.14
9.25
4.36
-
4.37
-
0.36
·
0.09
7.63
4.64
1.00
3.84
Elagatis sp.
LAMNIFORMES
I
2.63
LETHRINIDAE
2.15
LUTJANIDAE
3.44
MURAENOSIDAE
0.26
NEMIPTERIDAE
1.30
Ray
-
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
1.59
RACHYCENTRIDAE
0.04
SPYRAENIDAE
0.07
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
-
SERRANIDAE
0.89
SCARIDAE
0.04
SPARIDAE
.
TACHYSURIDAE
Tuna
2.07
-
3.00
-
8.13
9.86
13.00
4.81
25.38
5.14
32.00
7.79
-
0.13
0.07
-
0.16
-
-
0.29
-
0.68
6.29
1.00
4.86
1.29
4.29
-
0.14
1.43
1.00
0.05
4.13
·
1.81
-
0.14
-
0.05
3.00
2.00
29.00
2.05
.
0.14
-
0.04
10.25
4.50
4.00
3.19
0.13
0.07
·
0.05
1.25
6.50
-
1.77
1.38
0.71
-
1.88
.
0.36
-
0.09
·
1.12
Others
1.85
0.14
1.00
0.36
TOTAL
20.63
23.57
72.38
41.21
80
34.35
--
SUBAREA I
SUBAREA II
SUBAREA III
27 stations
7 stations
9 stations
GROUPS:
(%)
GROUPS:
(%)
GROUPS:
SUBAREA IV
SUBAREA V
13 stations
(%)
GROUPS:
OVERALL
1 sllltion
(%)
GROUPS
(%)
GROUPS:
(%)
CARANGIDAE
20.29
LUTJANIDAE
26.67
LUTJANIDAE
35.06
LETHRINIDAE
23.92
L.UTJANIIlAr
40.00
LUTJANIDAE
22.M
LUTJANIDAE
16.70
SPYRAENIDAE
20.61
SERRANIDAE
14.16
SPARIDAE
15.77
SPYRAENIDAt
36.25
LETHRINIDAE
13.99
LAMNIFORMES
12.75
TACHYSURIOAE
18.18
CARANGIDAE
12.7~
LUTJANIDAE
12.48
LETHRINIDAE
16.25
CAAANGIOAE
12.72
LETHRINIDAE
1041
LAMNIFORMES
12.73
LETHRINIDAE
11.23
LAMNIFORMES
11.2,7
SERRANIDAI:
5.00
LAMNIFORMES
11.18
TACHYSURIDAE
10.05
BALlSTIDAE
10.91
LAMNIFORMES
10.54
SERRANIDAE
10.92
LAMNIFORMES
1.25
SERRANIDAE
9.30
Others
" 9/\
SERRANIDAE
5.45
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
5.70
CARANGIDAE
10.57
Ray
1.25
SPYRAENIDAE
5.96
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
'r 72
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
4.24
SPYRAENIDAE
4.15
SPYRAENIDAE
4.85
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
0.00
TACHYSURIDAE
SA!!
NEMIPTERIDAE
628
CARANGIDAE
0.61
TACHYSURIDAE
1.90
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
3.47
CARANGIDAE
0.00
PLECTORYNCHIDAE
5.26
SERRANIDAE
431
Others
0.61
SPARIDAE
1.73
TACHYSURIDAE
1.73
NEMIPTERIDAE
0.00
SPARIDAE
5.16
MURAENOSIDAE
1.26
EI696tis sp.
0.00
Others
1.38
Ela9atis .p.
0.87
SCARIDAE
0.00
Others
3.27
BALiSTIDAE
0.54
SCARIDAE
0.00
BALISTIDAE
1.04
Others
0.87
BALlSTIDAE
0.00
NEMIPTERIDAE
1.99
SPYRAENIDAE
036
SPARIDAE
0.00
SCARIDAE
0.17
Tuna
0.87
SPARIOAE
0.00
BALISTIDAE
1.48
SCARIDAE
0.18
LETHRINIDAE
0.00
MURAENOSIDAE
0.17
NEMIPTERIDAE
0.69
Ela9atis sp.
0.00
MURAENOSIDAE
0.48
RACHYCENTRIDAE
018
MURAENOSIOAE
0.00
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
0.00
Ray
0.35
TACHYSU RIt>AE
0.00
Ela9atis sp.
0.26
Ray
000
NEMIPTERIOAE
0.00
Ray
0.00
SCOMBEROMORIOAE
0.35
MURAENOSIDAE
0.00
Tuna
0.26
SPARIDAE
0.00
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
0.00
RACHYCENTRIDAE
0.00
RACHYCENTRIDAE
0.35
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
0.00
Ray
0.15
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
0.00
RACHYCENTRIDAE
0.00
Ela9atis sp.
0.00
BALlSTIDAE
0.35
RACHYCENl RIDAE
0.00
SCARIDAE
0.15
Tuna
0.00
Tuna
0.00
Tuna
0.00
MURAENOSIDAE
0.17
Tuna
0.00
RACHYCENTRIDAE
0.15
E1a9ati•• p.
0.00
R6Y
0.00
NEMIPTERIDAE
0.00
SCARIDAE
0.17
Others
0.00
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
0.10
Total
100
Total
100
Total
100
Total
100
Total
100
Total
100
Table 4: Length (em) and Weight (kg) Values of Fish Species Caught
Welght(kg}
Length(cm}
No.
Mean
Range
No.
Mean
Range
CaranxSp.
19
34.8
28.0-41.0
4
1.1
0.3-3.5
Carangoides melampygus
7
36.6
28.0-37.0
-
.
AJectis indieus
1
32.5
-
-
-
-
82
73.3
60.0-77.0
7
1.7
-
-
-
-
19.0
28
34.7
Species/Groups
1.
2.
CARANGIDAE
CARRHYfOAE {Sharks}
Shark
3.
Sweettip
5.
1.2-2.0
-
-
-
30
0.94
0.4-1.8
-
3
0.5
0.5
27.0~1.0
LUTJANIDAE
Lutjanus sp
23
36.3
20.0·77.0
36
1.6
0.3-12.5
Lutjanus sabae
4
38.0-53.0
3
2.3
0.8-4.2
Lutjanus vittae
8
44.7
26.4
22.0-30.0
Lutjanus erythroplerus
2
40.5
36.0-45.0
-
-
Lutjanus bohar
Lutjanus johnl
5
43.7
29.0-34.0
5
1.4
-
-
-
1
2.0
-
16
47.1
36.0-57.0
14
1.5
0.6-2.0
33
51.2
41.0-74.0
29
1.0
0.4-1.8
8
29.0-83.0
9
1.8
0.5-7.5
-
-
-
-
2.0
1.5-3.0
0.3-8.6
PLECTORYNCIDAE
Plectoryn sp.
6.
I
LETHRINIDAE
Lethrinus sp
4.
I
SPYRAENIDAE.
Spyraena sp.
7. SERRANIDAE
Epinephelus sexfaciatus
8
37.4
29.4
Epinephelus tauvina
1
80.0
Cephalopflolis sp.
1
35.0
-
Plectropomus sp.
2
-
39.0-80.0
-
4
31.8
28.0-34.0
.
1
105.0
-
7
74.8
52.0-75.0
Epinephelus sp.
8.
7.3
SPARIDAE
Argyrops sp.
9.
27.0-35.0
SCOMBEROMORIDAE
Cybium commersoni
10. TACHYSURIDAE
4
Groups
CARANGIDAE
SHARK
IUJTJA~AE
Mean
Mean
Length
Weight
Length
Weight
34.6
1.1
41
3.5
73
1.7
i
j
38.3
I
Largest Size Caught
-
19.0
,
1.8
97
I
i
I
~2.5
1.8
LETHRINIDAE
34
0.91
61
PLECTORYNCIDAE
47
1.5
57
7.5
33.4
1.8
83
3.0
T ACHYSURIDAE
75
1.5
75
10.0
SPYRAENIDAE
Spyraena jello
51
1.0
124
-
-
105
-
SERRANIDAE
SCOMBEROMORIDA
(Tenggiri)
-
.
L AUT
CHINA
SELATAN
J ,~',
N
t
It
A
.",--
~,
"
+7
I
I
7~ ~.
--f
I
39
SUBAREA II
•
S~
+
74
·•· .
I
I
+
71
,.
II • .•.
'....•
+
S4
I
I.
,Ii
I
"49
•. 31
'. ,••63
,>-::,+.
t\ .
-, - "
,.Ii 6 , ,
'q."Q.lu~
• 1'.-
•.•.
",76
.•
I
\
I
43
.
I
,
,
"
,:
'
SIBU
KI'Y
+
Fishing
6.
Hard. un('vpn
Nill.uril1
R
Artificiill
sLcltion
holtom
n'l'f
rl'f'f
!
,,,i~..
LAUT
CHINA
SELATAN
,,0
J
t
l~ 1 "//
N
t
oc
•
0
;,_J
):(
t
~~_- --€i
SUBAREA II
8
i
-.J
e
e
)0
4
b
4
8//<
.
0
~ __
":,.-.•...
•
:
• ~ t
1
'"
"
fP
"..•.
.
,-0
I
/
11''''
_/~
A
,,_-.J>
...•
--
-
I
1
G
I
I
SARAWAK
I
I
/
1,/
/1
/
~
I
(
,.S18U
0
0
e
5 - 20
Q
20 - 50
@
50 - 100
•
t::.
5
100
flilrd.
uneven
NATURAL REEFS
bottom
Subarea
Y
Lutjanidae
Spyraenidae
Lethrinidae
Serranidae
Shark
40.0%
36.31
16.31
5.0%
1.0%
LAU T
CHINA
SELATAN
Subarea III
Lutjanidae
5erranidae
Carang1dae
Lethr1n1dae
Sharks
Plectorynch1dae
Spyraenidae
Subarea II
Lutjan1dae
Spyraen1dae
Tachysuri dae
Sharks
Bal1stidae
Serran1dae
PIectorync1dae
26.71
20.61
18.21
12.71
10.~
5.41
4.21
u area
Carangidae
Lutjan1dae
Sharks
Lethrinidae
Tachysuridae
Plectorynichidae
Hemipteridae
Serranidae
20.3~
16.70%
12.8~
10.41~
10.0%
9.0~
6.3~
4.3~
- 35.11
- 14.21
- 12.7~
- 11.21
- 10.51
- 5.71
4.11
Subarea IV
Lethrinidae
Sparidae
Lutjanidae
Sharks
5erranidae
Carangidae
P1ectorynch1 dae
23.~
15.81
12.51
11.31
10.~
10.81
3.51
¥.UC\lll(~
--1'
Table 6: Landings (ton) of Fish Group from Hooks and Lines Fishing in Sarawak
(Source: Marine Fisheries Sarawak Annual Report 1987-1991)
1987
Group
1989
1988
Landing Group
Landing Group
1990
Landing Group
1991
Landing Group
Landing
Shark
414
Ray
433
Tuna
291
Tuna
430
Lutjanldae
925
Tuna
141
Trichiuridae
273
Lutjanidae
287
Lutjanidae
253
Tuna
437
126
Serranldae
104
Nemll)terldae
168
145
Tachysuridae
67
Tachysuridae
214
Ray
Lutjanidae
54
Polynemidae
199
Serrllnldlle
63
Ray
75
Serranldae
Scombridae
41
Lutjllnidlle
147
Carangidae
49
Scomberomoridlle
41
Ray
97
Scomberomoridae
41
Tuna
117
Lobotidae
49
Nemipteridae
40
TIlhcysurldae
55
Plutosidae
41
Serranidae
99
Lethrinidlle
40
Sphyraenidae
37
Scomberomoridlle
31
Carangidae
40
Pomadasyidae
91
Shark
36
Tllchysuridae
33
Carangldae
22
Drepanidae
27
Lobotidae
68
Nemipterldae
16
Carangidae
25
Shark
20
Serranidae
12
Scomberomorid
67
Plectorynchidae
14
Lethrinidae
18
Plutosldae
18
Carangidae
25
Tachysuridae
14
Plutosidae
11
Pomadllsydlle
6
Nemipteridae
25
Spyraenidlle
6
Shark
9
Plec1olynohldae
2
Lethrinidlle
11
Sclaenldae
6
Pomadasydae
4
Sphyrllllnldllll
1
Sphyraenidae
7
Plectorynchldae
7
Stromatldae
3
Plutosidae
3
Plectorynchldae
1