Assessment of trial sport fishing commercialization in newly developed Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Station: A case study of Puah Reservoir, Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

TNB Research (TNBR) was conducted a pilot study on the commercialization of catch and release sport fishing in Puah Reservoir, a new hydroelectric project within the Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Station (HTHS). The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the sport fishing programme on socio-economic benefit and its potential as a component of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). The evaluation was conducted in two phases, from November 2017 to May 2018 (Phase 1) and October 2018 to December 2019 (Phase 2), which covered the reservoir and its catchments, such as Terengganu Mati, Limbang, Pelagong, and Sireh rivers. The information was gathered from registered anglers who fished 12 days per month, using two boats with a maximum of two anglers per boat and casting methods from 0700 to 1630. The results show that November 2017 had the highest average of fish strikes per angler with a value of 11. This value was recorded as a standard for the best strikes at the Puah Reservoir. Every angler recorded an average of six fish strikes per month, with the exception of December and early January, which were closed due to the monsoon season. Based on the population of fish strikes, the Sebarau (Hampala macrolepidota) species had the highest catch for both phases, accounting for 71% and 73% of all strikes, respectively. Haruan (Channa striata), Bujuk (Channa lucius), Tengas (Neolissochilus soroides), Baung (Hemibagrus capitulum), Tengas Daun (Poropuntius normani), and Kelah (Tor tambra) were also observed. Based on the net income, the revenue had increased, indicating an increase in demand and willingness to pay from anglers. The monthly income (on a part-time basis) was determined by the number of anglers who registered for the Sport Fishing programme. The In-House Guide earned a total net income of RM35,560.00 or USD8114.09 (Phase 1) and RM41,640.00 or USD9501.43 (Phase 2). As a baseline study, all income was collected by the cooperation run by the local community. To summarise, sport fishing at Puah Reservoir supports NTFPs, which can serve as forest conservation, a sustainable environment, and a new source of income for the local community if proper management practices are implemented.