Development potential of recreational fishery in Pulau Layang-Layang Sabah Malaysia

Mohd Ibrahim Mohamed, . and Mohamed Fauzi Abdullah, . (1997) Development potential of recreational fishery in Pulau Layang-Layang Sabah Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

Pulau Layang-Layang situated some 130 nm north-west of Sabah is an atoll coral reef. It measures approximately 7.5 km long and 4.5 km wide. The atoll rises from the sea floor some 900 m deep while within the lagoon the deepest point measures approximately 18 m in depth. Two scientific expeditions to survey the marine fauna of the atoll reef were conducted in 1988 and 1993. These expeditions reveal interesting information about the diverse marine life in Layang-Layang. The reef slopes between 3 and 10 m facing the surrounding seas supported at least 70 live coral cover. To date 134 species of scleractinian corals belonging to 14 families and at least 5 non-scleractinian species have been identified. Genus Acropora alone comprise 23 species. The reef fishes include both the target and indicator species. The pelagic species such as tunas barracudas sharks manta rays were spotted swimming very close to the reefs. Farther out in the open more tunas sharks and marlins have been caught by sport fishermen. The reefs and the surrounding waters are believed to be an important breeding nursery and feeding grounds for many reef fish species and most pelagic species are found on reefs. Pulau Layang-Layang is slowly becoming a tourist and dive resort. Preliminary results of the above expeditions suggest that the waters of Layang-Layang are potential sports fishing grounds yet to be exploited. The development of recreational fishery industry appears to complement existing dive-base activities. Indeed there is a need for a management and development plan to make Layang-Layang base for recreational or sports fishery.

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Abstract

Pulau Layang-Layang situated some 130 nm north-west of Sabah is an atoll coral reef. It measures approximately 7.5 km long and 4.5 km wide. The atoll rises from the sea floor some 900 m deep while within the lagoon the deepest point measures approximately 18 m in depth. Two scientific expeditions to survey the marine fauna of the atoll reef were conducted in 1988 and 1993. These expeditions reveal interesting information about the diverse marine life in Layang-Layang. The reef slopes between 3 and 10 m facing the surrounding seas supported at least 70 live coral cover. To date 134 species of scleractinian corals belonging to 14 families and at least 5 non-scleractinian species have been identified. Genus Acropora alone comprise 23 species. The reef fishes include both the target and indicator species. The pelagic species such as tunas barracudas sharks manta rays were spotted swimming very close to the reefs. Farther out in the open more tunas sharks and marlins have been caught by sport fishermen. The reefs and the surrounding waters are believed to be an important breeding nursery and feeding grounds for many reef fish species and most pelagic species are found on reefs. Pulau Layang-Layang is slowly becoming a tourist and dive resort. Preliminary results of the above expeditions suggest that the waters of Layang-Layang are potential sports fishing grounds yet to be exploited. The development of recreational fishery industry appears to complement existing dive-base activities. Indeed there is a need for a management and development plan to make Layang-Layang base for recreational or sports fishery.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Summary only En
AGROVOC Term:	FISHERIES
AGROVOC Term:	FISHING OPERATIONS
AGROVOC Term:	RECREATION
AGROVOC Term:	SURVEYS
AGROVOC Term:	FAUNA
AGROVOC Term:	CORALS
AGROVOC Term:	SPECIES
AGROVOC Term:	SABAH
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:27
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16009

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