Twentytwo13

‘Parrotfish sold in markets are not endangered, misplaced conservation will confuse communities’

There is no official ban on the catching and sale of parrotfish in Malaysia.

National Marine Park research centre director, Saupi Ismail however, admitted bans existed in varying degrees in other parts of the world.

“Parrotfish are found under the Family Labridae, together with wrasses (Cheilini and Labrini). Found in tropical waters, including Malaysia, parrotfish are key components of coral reef ecosystems because of their roles in herbivory and reef bioerosion,” said Saupi.

“Parrotfish are a keystone species in many coral reefs because they eat seaweed, also known as macroalgae, that would otherwise smother corals.

A keystone species helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different, or cease to exist, altogether.

“Theoretically, if parrotfish are reduced in numbers, corals may die because the fish which keeps algae in corals in check, end up on people’s plates.”

Twentytwo13 reached out to the Department of Fisheries following a complaint by a reader who noticed that parrotfish were being sold at a hypermarket in Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur. The species was also being sold on e-commerce platforms.

Saupi cited a study by The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, that found parrotfish and surgeonfish populations faced a low risk of extinction globally.

“But, they do face a heightened risk of extinction regionally, especially in areas like the Coral Triangle,” Saupi added.

The Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean and includes the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands.

“There is no official national ban on catching parrotfish in Malaysia, although such bans do exist in varying degrees in other parts of the world, such as in the Caribbean.

“Herbivorous fish, such as parrotfish, surgeonfish and rabbitfish don’t need to be protected because most of them are not under threat in Malaysia.

“Of the species considered the most threatened, the Greenback Parrotfish (Scarus trispinosus) is listed as endangered, and the Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum), listed as vulnerable, are both large-bodied species, with long lifespans, that are experiencing significant population declines from intensive fishing.

“Fishermen should be aware that they are not allowed to catch and/or sell this species. The rest of the parrotfish species are listed in the IUCN as ‘of least concern’. This only means more scientific study is needed in order to elevate their conservation status and proceed with proper management measures, if necessary.”

He added parrotfish are quite popular with the local communities.

“This fish, which is a low-fat protein source, has a lot of nutritional content and is good for health. In addition, this fish also contains Omega 3 and Omega 6, which is good for brain growth. Parrotfish are great for eating, no matter how they are cooked – raw, fried, grilled, baked, or added to a curry.

“Marine scientists say most parrotfish sold in the markets are not endangered, and that misinformation and misplaced conservation will confuse the communities.”

Saupi acknowledged that protecting parrotfish and other herbivores from fishing can, in turn, protect healthy reefs.

“The marine parks in Malaysia are protected by Malaysia’s Fisheries Act, 1985, which prohibits any fishing activities, including the catching of parrotfish.

“Although conserving marine resources is important, it is equally important to make sure that it is being done in a way that is compassionate to both the environment and the people who make a living from it,” he added.