Front row from left: Dr Teoh, Dr Ooi, Dr Pedram, Dr Wong, Dr Phoon and Dr Teh preparing to stock the first batch of fish into the lake
The effort to transform Lake K11 (Lake 13), located at UTAR Agriculture Park, Kampar Campus, into a model lake for running aquaculture ecologically came to fruition when the first batch of high-value freshwater fish was stocked into Lake K11 on 8 January 2025.
The momentous occasion was overseen by Assoc Prof Dr Wong Wey Lim, Assoc Prof Ts Dr Teoh Chaiw Yee and Dr Ooi Ai Lin, witnessed by Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (Kampar Campus Deputy Director Dr Phoon Lee Quen, UTAR Agriculture Park Management Committee Chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Pedram Kashiani, and Faculty of Science (FSc) Deputy Director for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Teh Lai Kuan. The activity was a follow-up of the “Transforming Lake K11 at UTAR Kampar Campus through Sustainable Fish Farming” project, led by Dr Wong, along with Dr Teoh and Dr Ooi, under the Centre for Agriculture and Food Research.
From left: The three main researchers of the project Dr Ooi, Dr Wong and Dr Teoh
Approximately 10,500 fish are planned to be stocked into the lake in batches, comprising a variety of high-value freshwater species, including baung, jelawat, lampam sungai, and patin buah. Dr Teoh explained, “These fish are first nurtured in our Aquaculture Facilities until they reach a suitable size or the juvenile stage. This practice helps ensure a higher survival rate once they are introduced into the lake. Additionally, we are exploring a collaboration with the Department of Fisheries to expand this project by including the cultivation of native species, such as terbul (Osteochilus vittatus).” As part of the Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP), which started in 2020, this project aimed to use Lake K11 as a model to contribute knowledge on sustainable aquaculture, water analysis, fish disease control, eco-tourism, marketing and supply-chain model. Additionally, the use of Lake K11 demonstrates the prospects of using ex-tin mining ponds for aquaculture activities, and the ways to run it sustainably.
Dr Phoon commented, “There isn’t much scientific evidence available on conducting aquaculture in ex-tin mining ponds. However, with this project, along with the facilities available in the university, we will be able to collect important data, for instance, the optimal condition, which allowed for the fish to thrive in the pond, the quality of the fish bred, and good practices to run a sustainable fish farm. Today is a significant milestone for the project and testimony to the progresses of the project.”
Highlighting the importance of research, Dr Pedram expressed optimism for this project as a gateway to invite more potential collaborations on but not limited to animal science and aquaculture, as well as on plant research and forestry. He pointed out that past research collaborations have facilitated the expansive transfer of knowledge, skills and expertise, as well as securing funds that have contributed to the enhancement of the Agriculture Park. Therefore, Dr Pedram is hopeful that this project has the potential to inspire even greater collaborations, which enable staff and students to contribute towards innovation and development, improving quality of life and environment sustainability, and empowering communities, all while advancing the park’s journey toward becoming self-sufficient. Additionally, these collaborations provide a platform for students to conduct their research with real-world experience alongside expert partners. With this ambitious outlook, the Agriculture Park is set to become a hub of research and development in the region, making a meaningful impact on both the environment and society.
Dr Teoh (third from right) explaining the fingerling nursery at the Aquaculture Facilities
Some of the tanks used in the fingerling nursery
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