Source : New Straits Time
Hybrid fish to 'save' seafood sector
10 Feb 2007


Courtesy of NST

KOTA KINABALU: A hybrid species of grouper, or "sak pan" in Chinese, has been developed, which will have great commercial value and help to bring the seafood industry closer to its target for the future.

The new species is a cross between the giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) and the tiger grouper (Epine-phelus fuscoguttatus), both of which are high-value species in great consumer demand.

The fish was jointly developed by Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMIT), the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and Kinki University Japan.

BMIT director Prof Dr Saleem Mustafa said the new species will relieve the pressure on the wild grouper due to overfishing and other illegal fishing methods.

"We are looking at helping to find solutions to the increasing demand, versus shrinking supply, of the industry through aquaculture," he said.

A consignment of 2,000 four-month-old fish will be distributed to local fish breeders and farmers through LKIM.

The juvenile fish cost RM15 per fish now, but a fully grown one can sell for RM120 a kilogramme at full market price, said Saleem, adding that the species' full growth potential is not known yet.

"It has been well-received, and it will benefit the industry as well as help with the conservation of the species.

"Cross-breeding combines the best qualities of both parent fish, hence the premium price," he said, adding that there are plans to sell the fish on the global market.

The target for aquaculture production in the country 400,000 tonnes per year by 2010, and the current level of production is 110,000 tonnes.

"Traditional methods cannot achieve this, so a great deal of effort needs to be put into research and development to increase yield," he said, adding that the new grouper is a step in this direction.

This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Feb 13 2007, 07:31 PM

Update before CNY

The Star


Home-grown square melons to be on sale soon

Would you pay RM68 or RM88 for a sweet melon? It'll probably be a worthwhile buy if the said fruit is a square melon embossed with the word "Fook" (Chinese for prosperity), especially during an auspicious time like the Chinese New Year.

About 500 such melons are planted on the rooftop of Iris Corporation Berhad's Capillary AgroTech (M) Sdn Bhd in Technology Park.

"It's a research and development effort by our company to bring up the value of our produces for our farmers," said general manager Chia King Hong.

What a novelty: Chia holding two Golden Prosperity Melons, one still in its mould while the other will be attractively packed as a festive gift.
"We took the cue from the square watermelon produced in Japan. The project was started about six months ago and is still run on a small scale," he said.

The square melons will be launched into the market with a bang during Hari Raya or Christmas this year, he said.

A sweet melon is sold at between RM8 and RM10 at supermarkets. The company plans to sell the produce, which will be packaged attractively as festive gifts, at between RM68 and RM88.

But, you will have to wait if you are interested.

All 500 melons have been reserved by the company's employees and corporate partners.

Chia said there was not much sophisticated technology involved.

"When the fruits are still small, we put them into transparent moulds, of which one side is engraved with words or pictures, and they will grow according to their moulds," he explained.

With a lot of effort and a dash of creativity, here comes the Malaysian-made "Golden Prosperity Melon".

rexis : yes please bring the Agri magazine if you have it with you. much appreciated it. please do come to the Meet up.

thank you for your compliments. hopefully i can get my stuff started next week.

jeffblazed : hope you can pass the contact to me. thank you.


This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Mar 1 2007, 12:08 PM

Update 1 week after CNY

The Base of Place for my Tanks





This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Mar 1 2007, 12:08 PM

i have 5 big tanks and 1 small tanks

a) each big tank can rear approx 500 plate-size fish which roughly is totalling at 2500 fishes

b) the small tank can get you about approx 300 plate-size fish but the main function of the small tank is for PURGING so it makes the fish texture and taste better.

office setup depends on lots of things. basically $$$$
i got a hand cabin/container for around RM 4.5k (20' x 8')

anything else you want to know ?

This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Mar 2 2007, 09:07 AM

my reply in BLUE

my replies in blue

maybe the method to raise grouper here not so established like in Sabah. A Sabah University Professor even asked me is i would like to go for attachment. i probably would take up the offer in the 2nd half of the year.

its ok. i am venturing into this business with the money i made from my other ventures.

are you residing in KL now? if yes would you like to come to our gathering this saturday.

btw tell your friend the actual material is RFP (Reinforced Fibre Plastic)
thanks

thank you. hope you can join us and share and get more ideas.

Place for my COMPOSTING



This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Mar 14 2007, 03:28 PM

dont worry everyone including me also a newbie in Agri + Aqua business. that doesnt matter. most important you want to do it.

hope you drop by more as i try to update the info as much as possible. with all the news from all over.

from my venture ONE Tank + ONE Filter & Pump is roughly about RM 15k.
you can also rear fishes differently from me. like in Cement Ponds or normal ponds. it doesnt matter.

Land cost varies from each. so i think its not wise to put it up. what you can do is go for renting if $$$ is a problem. rent 5 years with option for another 5.

Can but not now yet. wait till my equipment and things are ready then make a visit. then you will get the idea.

Can but not now yet. wait till my equipment and things are ready then make a visit. then you will get the idea.

i have some land vacant so i thought of planting something. maybe HERBS ?


Nope not using pipe water. my place has a stream passing thru. so i am doing a water cachement area so i can use the natural spring water.



BTW to those who missed the Meet Up Session. i would be happy to have another one. hehe

WOW he can do pumps which is good for future purposes.

as for the RFP if he can give assurance and guarantee i dont see any harm in getting from him as i want to reduce cost in the process.

thanks for the heads up

thanks for the info.
actually i am trying to divide the plot of land so i can do some R&D

when my site (Aquaculture) is ready, those who are free can come over for a visit.

......................

to those who havent met up pls PM or we get a date so we can meet up to brainstorm abit.

thanks

actually planting what plants or herbs i really dont have an idea.
will go to MARDI and Pertanian to ask around.

as for the fish species am going to Shah Alam on wednesday for advice.

Half of the fibre glass before being "LEGOed"


Moving the fibre glass pieces slowly and steadily


My tanks arranged in a row


Inside view of a big tank


View of a small tank


View of a big tank

compost the place i will do it when i have a bigger plot of land.

as of your story i saw it in the papers. its about a Market in Seri Kembangan...

the reason for those is two things :-

a) they are reared in mud ponds
b) they dont have exercise

my system is reared in Fibre Glass Tanks.

so there will be better fish taste and texture quality.

hi cktwai,

when were you at the fair ?
i was there on Friday @ PWTC.

i think the product is from Mardi right ?
they arent in production yet are they ? if they are please PM me...

what new technology ?
share share...thanks


This post has been edited by ParaOpticaL: Mar 31 2007, 10:06 PM