"On-Site Training on Identification of Deep-Sea Fishes, Kuala Trengganu, Malaysia"

The on-site training is jointly organized by the Marine Fishery Resources Development and Management Department (MFRDMD) and the Training Department (TD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) from 18 to 21 July 2011 at Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia.

This program was developed under the SEAFDEC project on “Deep-Sea Fisheries Resources Exploration in the Southeast Asian Waters” implemented since 2007, with the overall objectives to enhance the capacity of the participants on identify fish species those found at the continental shelf and slope (sea depth 100-400m) using fish morphology and habitat preferences.

Sixteen (16) Malaysian taxonomists and field biologists from the Department of Fisheries and SEAFDEC/MFRDMD were attended. The training was provided a comprehensive set of knowledge on the identification of deep-sea demersal fish species with emphasis on the species found in the waters of Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia which was collected during 28 June -11 August 2010 onboard M.V. SEAFDEC 2.

Within four days of in-class identification experience, presentations and hands-on laboratory exercises, the participants were familiarized with the characteristics used in distinguishing families and/or genera to the lowest taxa. Participants’ skills in counting, measuring, and examining the external anatomical structures that are necessary keys to be used in identifying the deep-sea fishes were developed.