Kuala Sepetang Estuary: Current use and Long-Term Sustainability - Abstract
This short communication explores the causes and consequences of water quality on the ecological sustainability of the river and living organisms in the Kuala Sepetang estuary. Key causes identified include unrestrained development of aquaculture/mariculture, direct dumping of raw sewerage into the river, and poor solid waste disposal. However, direct links between the identified causes and declining water quality and the subsequent hypothesized impacts on fish and shellfish catches is not yet clearly established. An additional issue that was identified, and one with a potentially great impact, is the low awareness of the local villagers about water quality, rubbish disposal, and conservation. Given this situation, an educational approach to increase awareness of good sanitation and conservation practices was proposed. This is coupled with a concurrent water quality-testing programme to determine sources of impact and monitor future improvements. In addition, the use of aquaponics to enhance farming potential and reduce environmental impacts is suggested. This multifaceted and cohesive approach should result in an improvement of water quality and greater conservation of resources and environment. Overall, our research indicates the need to place an emphasis on the importance of marine biodiversity
conservation and community education.