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FISH FAUNA COMPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY AT BATANG AI HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIR LUBOKANTU SARAWAK
bull Nur Ezzaty Binti Nazarudin
(37924)
Bachelor of Science with Honours TD (Aquatic Resource Science and Management) 370 2015 N974 2015
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
Grade _-----P-___
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Final Year Project Report 0 ~asters c===J PhD c===J
DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK
This declaration is made on the ~~ day of~~~~ year ~~~~
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I _~~___ ~_~____~~Y~~_~~__~~9_~~~~ ___~~__~~~~_~~~_~_~~___~_~_ 1li~
gt~~~~~~_~~~~~~~~l~1~_~i~_~~~~_~_~j~~~~~i~r~~~( ~ Lo~e~-
not copied from any other students work or from any other sources with the exception where due 1 ~ reference or acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text nor has any part of the work been written for me by another person
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yenQ~ Ota 11iW ~I~middotn I ---------------------------------------------------------- (SUPERVISOR S ~1lie~J1jertiiyen th~t traquo~~0M entitledP~~-r--~~-~r~~J~~-----It~p---~~-~~-Q~-~~IfLErWrr~arAO -~h~~~~ aforementioned or above mentioned student and was submitted to the FACULTY as a amp-AC
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usAf Kill mat Makluma Ak demi~ NIV SIT M LAYS A SAR WAK
FISH FAUNA COMPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY AT BATANG AI
HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIR LUBOK ANTU SARA W AK
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin (37924)
This project is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for degree of Bachelor of
Science with Honours
(Aquatic Resources Science Management)
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2015
I
DECLARAnON
I Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin final year student of Aquatic Resource Science and
Management hereby declare that this report is my own work and effort with guidance of
my supervisor Prof Dr Lee Nyanti No part of this report has previously been submitted
for any other degree university or institution of higher learning
g (NUR EZZATY NAZARUDIN)
Aquatic Resource Science and Management
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
Grade _-----P-___
Please tick (-V)
Final Year Project Report 0 ~asters c===J PhD c===J
DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK
This declaration is made on the ~~ day of~~~~ year ~~~~
Students Declaration
I _~~___ ~_~____~~Y~~_~~__~~9_~~~~ ___~~__~~~~_~~~_~_~~___~_~_ 1li~
gt~~~~~~_~~~~~~~~l~1~_~i~_~~~~_~_~j~~~~~i~r~~~( ~ Lo~e~-
not copied from any other students work or from any other sources with the exception where due 1 ~ reference or acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text nor has any part of the work been written for me by another person
lt~rH~ ~~ ~t- ~ZUT t 1~f~ i)~ I 31q)i Date submitted Name of the student (Matric No)
SupervisorsDeclaration
yenQ~ Ota 11iW ~I~middotn I ---------------------------------------------------------- (SUPERVISOR S ~1lie~J1jertiiyen th~t traquo~~0M entitledP~~-r--~~-~r~~J~~-----It~p---~~-~~-Q~-~~IfLErWrr~arAO -~h~~~~ aforementioned or above mentioned student and was submitted to the FACULTY as a amp-AC
~ l t4~ I n ________________________________________ ~~~ Ac_________ ---------- ~Ipartialfull fulfillment for the cOlferment of o-nU
(PLEASE INDICATE THE DEGREE TITLE) and the aforementioned work to the best of my knowledge is the said students work
Date ~euro(~gtReceived for examination by
I declare this ProjectlThesis is classified as (please tick (--J))
o CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret Act 1972) IZlRESTRICTED (Contains restricted information as specified by the organisation where
research was done) DOPEN ACCESS
I declare this ProjectlThesis is to be submitted to the Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS) and uploaded into UNlMAS Institutional Repository (UNIMAS IR) (please tick (--J))
DYES [2JNO
Validation of ProjectThesis
I hereby duly affirmed with free consent and w-mingness declared that this said ProjectlThesis shall r be placed officially in the Centre for Academic Information Services with the abide interest and rights as follo~s
bull This ProjectlThesisis the sole legal property ofUniversiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) bull The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to make copies of the
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bull This ProjectThesis or any material data and information related to it shall not be distributed published or disclosed to any party by the student himselflherself without first obtaining approval from UNIMAS
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usAf Kill mat Makluma Ak demi~ NIV SIT M LAYS A SAR WAK
FISH FAUNA COMPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY AT BATANG AI
HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIR LUBOK ANTU SARA W AK
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin (37924)
This project is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for degree of Bachelor of
Science with Honours
(Aquatic Resources Science Management)
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2015
I
DECLARAnON
I Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin final year student of Aquatic Resource Science and
Management hereby declare that this report is my own work and effort with guidance of
my supervisor Prof Dr Lee Nyanti No part of this report has previously been submitted
for any other degree university or institution of higher learning
g (NUR EZZATY NAZARUDIN)
Aquatic Resource Science and Management
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
I declare this ProjectlThesis is classified as (please tick (--J))
o CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret Act 1972) IZlRESTRICTED (Contains restricted information as specified by the organisation where
research was done) DOPEN ACCESS
I declare this ProjectlThesis is to be submitted to the Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS) and uploaded into UNlMAS Institutional Repository (UNIMAS IR) (please tick (--J))
DYES [2JNO
Validation of ProjectThesis
I hereby duly affirmed with free consent and w-mingness declared that this said ProjectlThesis shall r be placed officially in the Centre for Academic Information Services with the abide interest and rights as follo~s
bull This ProjectlThesisis the sole legal property ofUniversiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) bull The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to make copies of the
ProjectlThesis for academic and research purposes only and not for other purposes bull The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to digitize the content
to be uploaded into Local Content Database bull The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to make copies of the
ProjectlThesis if required for use by other parties for academic purposes or by other Higher Learning Institutes
bull No dispute or any claim shall arise from the student himself herself neither a third party on this ProjectlThesis once it becomes the sole property of UNIMAS
bull This ProjectThesis or any material data and information related to it shall not be distributed published or disclosed to any party by the student himselflherself without first obtaining approval from UNIMAS
pound- l1gt cISStudents signature (Date)
Current Address oolfp J~l~tj MI l~ ThMPHv
bull I
Notes If the Projecttrhesis is CONFIDENTIAL or RESTRICTED please attach together as annexure a letter from the organisation with the date of restriction indicated and the reasons for the confidentiality and restriction
[The instrument was prepared by The Centre for Academic Information Services]
usAf Kill mat Makluma Ak demi~ NIV SIT M LAYS A SAR WAK
FISH FAUNA COMPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY AT BATANG AI
HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIR LUBOK ANTU SARA W AK
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin (37924)
This project is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for degree of Bachelor of
Science with Honours
(Aquatic Resources Science Management)
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2015
I
DECLARAnON
I Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin final year student of Aquatic Resource Science and
Management hereby declare that this report is my own work and effort with guidance of
my supervisor Prof Dr Lee Nyanti No part of this report has previously been submitted
for any other degree university or institution of higher learning
g (NUR EZZATY NAZARUDIN)
Aquatic Resource Science and Management
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
usAf Kill mat Makluma Ak demi~ NIV SIT M LAYS A SAR WAK
FISH FAUNA COMPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY AT BATANG AI
HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIR LUBOK ANTU SARA W AK
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin (37924)
This project is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for degree of Bachelor of
Science with Honours
(Aquatic Resources Science Management)
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2015
I
DECLARAnON
I Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin final year student of Aquatic Resource Science and
Management hereby declare that this report is my own work and effort with guidance of
my supervisor Prof Dr Lee Nyanti No part of this report has previously been submitted
for any other degree university or institution of higher learning
g (NUR EZZATY NAZARUDIN)
Aquatic Resource Science and Management
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
I
DECLARAnON
I Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin final year student of Aquatic Resource Science and
Management hereby declare that this report is my own work and effort with guidance of
my supervisor Prof Dr Lee Nyanti No part of this report has previously been submitted
for any other degree university or institution of higher learning
g (NUR EZZATY NAZARUDIN)
Aquatic Resource Science and Management
Faculty of Resource Science and Technology
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
The project entitled Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir Lubok Antu Sarawak was prepared by Nur Ezzaty binti
Nazarudin and submitted to the Faculty of Resources Science and Technology in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor (Honours) in Aquatic Science
and Management
Received for examination by
( )
Date
111
)
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Acknowledgement
I am so grateful to be able to finish up this project I would like to specially thank my
dearest supervisor Professor Dr Lee Nyanti on the guidance support and assistance I also
would like to convey special thanks to my family especially my dearest father and mother
for the moral support and encouragement given I would like to express special gratitude to
my project-mate Noor Iskandar Noor Azhar for his assistance during the field trip and
your continuous support in my thesis writing Thanks to my fellow coursemates who had
experienced difficulties together including staying in the lab overnight and also thanks to
my peers under the same supervisor Daniel Nakhaie Juliana Kirollina Jane Goh and
Fakharudin for their valuable advice I am also thankful for the support of the Faculty of
Resources Science and Technology and the help provided by the laboratory assistants of
the Department of Aquatic Science especially Mr Zaidi Mr Mohd Nor Azlan Mr
Richard Toh Mr Nasri Latib and Mr Mustapha Kamal Last but not least I am also
thankful to SALCRA especially Mr Raymond and Ms Umi for the assistance given The
financial support provided by Sarawak Energy Berhad through the research grant no
GL(F07)SEBSA20 13 (28) is gratefully acknowledged
IV
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
rem K i mat Mak lImat Akadem ik WAK
Table of Content
Title amp Front Cover
Declaration 11
Acknowledgement IV
Table of Contents v
List of Abbreviations V11
List of Figures viii
List of Tables IX
List of Appendices x
Abstract
10 Introduction 2 20 Literature Review 4
21 Reservoir 4
22 Threats to Malaysian reservoir 4
23 Damming 5
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park 5 30 Materials and Methods 6
31 Study Site 6
32 Sample Collection 7
33 Sample Preservation 8
34 Sample Identification 8
35 Stomach Content Collection Preservation and Identification 8
36 In-situ Parameters 9
37 Ex-situ Parameters 9
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 9
312 Total Suspended Solids (TSS~ 10
373 Chlorophyll-a analysis 11 374 Nitrate-N 12 375 Nitrite-N 13 376 Ammonia-N 13 377 Orthophosphate 14
38 Indices 14
381 Shannon - Weiners Diversity Index 14
382 Margaejs Species Richness Index 15
v
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
383 Pieou s Evenness Index 15 384 Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor 15
39 Statistical Analysis 16 40 Results 17
41 Fish fauna composition 17 42 In-situ parameter 18
421
422
423
424
415
416
Transparency 18 Temperature 19 pH 20 Dissolved oxygen 21 Turbidity 22 Conductivity 23
43 Ex-situ parameter 24 43 1 Biological oxygen demand (BODs) 24 43 2 Total suspended solids (TSS) 25 433 Chlorophyll-a 26 434 Nitrate 27 435 Nitrite 28 436 Ammonia 29 43 7 Orthophosphate 30
44 Length-weight relationship 31 45 Species Diversity Richness and Evennes 33 46 The stomach content and frequency of occurrence 33
50 Discussion 35 60 Summary 42 70 References 43 80 Appendices 50
VI
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
J-
degC
J-lm
BOD
BANP
BAHR
D
DO
J-lm
GSI
H
HSI
J
km
LEWS
m
mgL
mm
N
N02shy
N03shy
TSS
LIST OF ABBREVIATION
Degree Ce1cius
Micrometer
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Batang Ai National Park
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Margalefs Species Richness Index
Dissolved Oxygen
Microsiemen
Gonadosomatic Index
Shannon - Weiner s Diversity Index
Hepatosomatic Index
Pie lou s Evenness Index middot
Kilometer
Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary
meter
milligram per litre
millimetre
Nitrogen
Nitrite
Nitrate
Total Suspended Solids
VB
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
Figure 16
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai
Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source Google Earth 2014)
Percentage of family caught in Batang Ai Reservoir
Comparisons of transparency among stations
Comparisons of temperature among depths
Comparisons of pH among depths
Comparisons of dissolved oxygen among depths
Comparisons of turbidity among depths
Comparisons of conductivity among depths
Comparisons ofBOD5 among depths
Comparisons of mean T~S among depths
Comparisons of mean Chl-a among depths
Comparisons of nitrate among depths
Comparisons of nitrite among depths
Comparisons of ammonia among depths
Comparisons of orthophosphate among depths
Length-weight relationship for the three fish species
Pages
6
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Vlll I
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
LIST OF TABLES
Titles Pages
Coordinates and locations of sampling stations 6
Fishing methods and habitat description 7
Species composition of fish caught at Batang Ai reservoir 18
Length-weight relationship and condition factor (K) for the 31
three dominant species
Species Diversity Species Richness and Species Evenness in 33
Batang Ai Reservoir
Stomach content and frequency of occurrence for the three 34
dominant species
Results of mass method for the three dominant species 34
IX
J
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Titles Pages
Appendix 1 Vegetation that was not removed during impoundment 50
Appendix 2 Logging activity at the upstream of Batang Ai Bydroshy 50
electric Reservoir
Appendix 3 Cage culture activity 51
Appendix 4 Mass growing of rooted aquatic plant 51
x
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Fish Fauna Composition and Water Quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
Lubok Antu Sarawak
Nur Ezzaty binti Nazarudin
Science and Aquatic Resources Management
Faculty of Resources Science and Technology
University Malaysia Sarawak
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out in October 2014 and February 2015 to determine the fish species composition and
water quality at Batang Ai Hydroelectric reservoir area A total of six sampling stations were selected in this
tudy Fourteen water quality parameters were documented based on in-situ and ex-situ laboratory analysis that
were carried out according to the APHA (2000) methods A total of 992 individuals consisting of 20 species
from 8 families were caught in Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir The three most dominant species were
Cyclocheilichti1ys apogon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Results for in-situ water
qual ity parameters were pH (622-832) dissolved oxygen (07-83 mglL) conductivity (63-1207 -IScm)
temperature (263-31 3 degC) transparency (1 02-427 m) and turbidity (000-3466 FNU) For ex-situ water
quality parameters results of BODs ranged from 07-63 mgL TSS (0002-0043 giL) chlorophyll-a (170 to
3585 mglL) and for nutrients (ammonical nitrogen 003 to 253 mglL nitrate 001 to 021 mgL
orthophosphate 002 to 204 mgL and Nitrite 0001 to 0117 mgL) The fisheries production of Batang Ai
Hydroelectric Reservoir was estimated to be 1117 kg ha -I yr- I to 2067 kg ha-I yr- I Aquaculture and other
anthropogenic activities occurring within the surrounding areas of the reservoir may have negatively impacted
the water quality of Batang Ai Hydro-electric reservoir
ABSTRAK
Kajian telah dijalankan pada bulan Oktober 2014 dan Februari 2015 untuk menentukan komposisi spesies ikan
dan kualiti air di kawasan Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Enam stesen pensampelan telah dipilih dalam
kajian ini Empatbelas parameter kualiti air telah didokumentasikan berdasarkan penganalissan in-situ dan exshysitll pen ampelan dengan mengikuti cara APHA (2000) Sebanyak 992 ekor ikan telah ditangkap terdiri daripada
20 spesies daripada 8 famili di Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai Tiga spesies dominan adalah
Cycocheilichlhys apoeon Osteochilus wandersii and Barbonymus schwanenfeldii Hasil kajian in-situ adalah
pH (622-832) oksigen terlarut (07-83 mglL) konduktiviti (63-1207 -IScm) suhu (263-313 degC) kejemihan
(102-427 m) dan kekeruhan (000-3466 FNU) Untuk kajian ex-situ hasil kajian untuk SODs adalah 07-63 mglL TSS (0002-0043 gil) klorofil-a (1 70 to 3585 mglL) dan untuk nutrien (ammonical nitrogen 003 to
253 mgL nitrat 001 to 021 mglL orthofosfat 002 to 204 mgL and nitrit 0001 to 0117 mgL) Produksi
ikan oleh Empangan Hidro-elektrik Batang Ai dianggarkan 1117 kg ha- I yr- I kepada 2067 kg ha- I yr- I
Akuakultur dan aktiviti lain berpunca daripada kegiatan manusia yang berlaku di sekeliling kawasan empangan
telah memberi kesan negatif kepada Empangan Hidro-elektrik Satang Ai
1
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
10 Introduction
Dams and reservoir have been designed for multiple purposes such as for irrigation
water supply tourism purposes aquaculture site and cage culture (Nyanti et al 2012)
Morley (2007) stated that due to high worldwide demand for water the creation of reservoirs
are unavoidable However this water body could also be polluted due to anthropogenic
activities A study in three biggest natural lakes in Malaysia showed that different levels of
degradation occurred due to discharged oil from motorboat untreated sewage from
communities and nearby plantations (Sharip and Zakaria 2008)
Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir (BAHR) was impounded in 19851t is located 260
km from Kuching and has a surface area of 84 ha at full supply with catchment area of 1200
km~ BAHR receives inflow water from two main rivers which are Batang Ai and the Engkari
River
Malaysia has a variety of freshwater fish speCIes rangmg from dominant to rare
species A study by Chong et al (2010) stated that Malaysia has approximately 521 species
of freshwater fish A total of 63 species of fish is present in Batang Ai National Park
(Abdullah 2004) Freshwater fish is very important in several aspects that involves aquatic
ecosystem for example as the indicator for the water quality (Fausch et al 1990) and nutrient
status of the surrounding water (Hamid et al 2012)
Reseaf(~h in freshwater fisheries in Malaysia were gIven little attention when
compared to the marine fisheries This resulted in fewer information on total catch landings
and on consumption of the fishes (Salam and Gopinath 2006) Very little information on fish
fauna composition and total catch landings in BAHR have been documented According to
Jalal et al (2012) due to the damming the decline in fish community and fisheries are caused
by factors such as overexploitation of species pollution and changes in the environment The
production of fisheries depends on many factors such as cost season and types of fishing gear
2
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
used Abu Talib et al (2003) stated that fisheries in reservoir is done individually or in a
small group by using seine net trap as well as hook and line
The composition richness evenness and diversity were measured in order to
document the fish fauna composition at the BAHR The stomach contents of fish were
analyzed to study the feeding habits of three dominant species in BAHR The water quality
analysis were also conducted at three different areas
The objectives of this study were to
1 Document the current fish species composition and total catch of commercial fisheries
at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir
2 Determine the length-weight relationship and feeding behaviour of the dominant
species and
3 Document the water quality at selected stations
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
20 Literature Review
21 Reservoir
According to Thornton et al (1992) a reservoir is any natural water that has been
modified or managed to provide water for developing human activities and demands in
response to specific community needs It is often called impoundments with subsequent
inundation of the upstream land surface formed by a dam across a river The upper part of the
reservoir has a similar characteristics with the river due to the inflow of water from the river
while the lower part of the reservoir is very similar to the lake because of its stratification
(Holmgren amp Appelberg 2000)
The construction of hydroelectric dams reservoirs and artificial lakes in Malaysia
leads to destruction of the surrounding ecosystem It will affect the aquatic environment
water quality and composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will
cause big changes in topology and morphology of the river Study on water quality at Bera
Lake shows that water quality was highly ~ffected by the run-off from the nearby plantation
sewage from the communities around the lake and discharged oil from motorboats (Chong
2007) According to Fatimah et al (2002) strong thermal stratification occur in Kenyir Lake
throughout the year during both dry and wet season A study by Chong (2007) showed that
Bera Lake has high presence of nutrient
22 Threats tomiddotMalaysian reservoir
Fish communities in reservoir are facing many environmental manipulations and
degradations such as water management and fluctuation homesteading and ririparian land
development (Ali and Lee 1995) It will affect the aquatic environment water quality and the
composition of fishes Diversions from the construction of the dam will cause big changes in
topology and morphology of the river The main environmental factor that influence fish
distribution are the concentration of oxygen width depth and leaves-dead wood substrates
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Pusat Khid~at M~klumat Akademik UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
(Kouamelan et al 2003) The most crucial threat is over-fishing which will disturb the
nature of the fish its habitat and lower its biodiversity
23 Damming
According to Friedl amp Wiiest (2001) 800 000 artificial lakes and reservoirs have been
built which is equivalent to approximately 500 000 km2 of the land or is almost 3 of the
entire land surface on the earth Damming of rivers is truly important to sustain the
anthropogenic need such as for drinking washing other daily and industrial uses According
to Yusoff et al (2006) the water demand in Malaysia for both domestic and industrial uses
are increasing significantly from 26 billion m3 in 1990 to 37 billion m3 in 2000 Without
enough water supplies it will cause problems to daily routine for the community and
damming is the easiest way to solve it Hence they are 54 dams operated in Malaysia with the
total capacity of 12 biIlion m3year to cover the demand (Yusoff et at 2006) The purpose of
Batang Ai reservoir was for hydroelectric generation and it is also important sources of
energy producer for the Sarawak Corridor Additionally it is also act as important aquaculture
site (Ling et al 2013)
24 Fish inventory in Batang Ai National Park
Commercial fisheries play an important roles in the lives of fishing communities in
Malaysia Ali and Lee (1995) stated that commercial fish plays an important role In
Chenderoh Bukit Merah and Temenggor reservoirs the fish composition consisted of catfish
(Mystus sp) snakeheads (Channa micropeltis) cyprinids (Hampala macrolepidota Tor
tambroides Puntius bulu) Osphronemus gouramy and other species (Baluyut 1999 DOF
1998)
In Batang Ai National Park a total of 26 species from 9 families was reported by
Abdullah (2004) In addition to the earlier study done by Meredith (1993) a total of 63
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
species were reportedly present in Batang Ai National Park The dominant family IS
Cyprinidae followed by Ballitoridae (Abdullah 2004)
30 Materials and Methods
31 Study Site
This study was conducted at Batang Ai Hydroelectric Reservoir Six stations were
selected for water quality data collection Three stations were at the tributaries of the reservoir
and three stations were at the cage culture area (Figure 1) The coordinates for each station
was recorded using the Global Positioning System (GPS) (Gannin GPSmap 628) (Table 1)
Figure 1 The location of sampling stations at Batang Ai Reservoir Dam Sarawak (Source
Google Earth 2015)
6
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
Table 1 Coordinates and locations of sampling stations
Station Coordinates Locations
1 N 01 0 14 482 E 1120 02 140 Delok
2 NOlo 13033 E 111 0 58587 Telaus
3 NOlo 11155 E 111 0 52 102 Sungai Bungui
4 N 01 0 09 223 E 111 0 50 291 At the edge of the reservoir
5 NOl o 09 330 E 111 0 50 384 Near Tiang Laju cage culture
6 N 01 0 10 060 E 111 0 54 430 Kerangan Mong
32 Sample Collection
Several types of net that were used for fish collection were gill net with different mesh
sizes (254 cm 508 cm 1016 cm and 127 cm) and three-layered gill net (14 cm 4 cm and
14 cm) Sampling procedures were similar for every station where the nets was left overnight
before being retrieved the next day and habitat description were also noted for every station
(Table 2)
Table 2 Fishing methods and habitat description
Stations Fishing methods Habitat description
Three-layered net gill net
2 Three-layered net gill net
3 Three-layered net gin net
4 Three-layered net gill net
5 Three-layered net gill net
6 Three-layered net gill net
Lowest water level Hill paddy season
already burned near to logging site
At the edge of reservoir
Near to Able Asia cage culture
Greenish water 1200 cage at mouth of
this area
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
At the edge of reservoir
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
33 Sample Preservation
Fish samples was preserved in the field by using 10 formalin and was left for
approximately 72 hours before the samples were rinsed and soaked in tap water for ten
minutes and transferred into 70 ethanol for further laboratory analysis and preservation
purposes
34 Sample Identification
Fish samples was identified by using the taxonomy keys from Mohsin amp Ambak
(1991) Inger amp Chin (2002) Kottelat et al (1993) and FishBase
(httpfishbaseorgsearchphp) After the sample identification the fish was weighed by
using Shimadzu EDLB300 portable balance The total length and standard length were also
measured by using a ruler The total length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to
the end of tail while the standard length is the measurement from the tip of the mouth to the
end of fleshy caudal peduncle (Kotelat et al 1993) After the whole process of sample
identification all of the samples were grouped together according to their species Fish
samples were kept in specimen bottles that were labelled with station number coordinates and
date of sampling
35 Stomach Content
Thirty individuals from three dominant species were selected for stomach content
analysis The stomach was weighed by using balance (Shimadzu ELB 300) after was
dissected from the fish The stomach was then preserved in 5 formalin In the laboratory
the stomach was placed in petri dish dissected by using dissecting kit (Gold cross) and the
content was analyzed under stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ51) The content was sorted
according to their type and each type of the food was weighed Other information such as the
empty mass of the stomach volume and length were recorded Stomach content then was
8
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
analyzed by using Frequency of Occurrence (FO) and Mass Method (MM) FO was used to
calculate the frequent types of food occur in selected species while MM was used to evaluate
the diet composition of each type of species The analysis used the following formula
Frequency of Occurrence
Nf h Dmiddot FOtS I X 100let i =
NfiSh
Mass Method
~~fiSllW 611 IJDiet 112 = x 100 E tlShW
J=l J
36 In-situ Parameters Collection
In-situ physico-chemical water quality parameters such as pH temperature dissolved
oxygen and turbidity was recorded in triplicate at three different depths In additions water
depth and transparency was also recorded ~n triplicate
The depth was recorded by using depth finder (Speedtech Instruments 67505) The pH
was recorded by using pH meter (Eutech Instruments) DO and temperature by using DO
meter (Sper Scientific 850041) and water transparency was recorded by using Secchi Disc
(KAHLSICO No 281 W A 1088 W AP - 4669) Water turbidity was determined by using
MARTINI instrument (Mi 415)
37 Ex-situ Parameters
371 Five-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BODs)
Water samples at each station was collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in
triplicates at three depthssub-surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10m) and bottom layer (20
m) They were placed in 1 L of acid washed polyethylene bottles and stored in cooler boxes
before being transported to laboratory for analyses According to APHA (2000) BOD5 test
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
was done at day 5 Initial DO reading was measured at the sampling site and the water sample
was transferred into 300 ml BOD glass bottle The bottle was wrapped with aluminium foil to
prevent penetration of sunlight and photosynthesis process They were then wrapped with
newspaper to prevent from being broken during transportation The samples were left in a
cooler box for 5 days After 5 days the final DO reading was determined using DO meter
(Sper Scientific 850041) The BOD5 value was determined by using the formula
BOD5 (mglL) = (DO 1 - 005)
where
0 0 1== dissolved oxygen of sample at day 1 (mgL)
DOs == dissolved oxygen after 5 days incubation at 20middotC (mgL)
372 Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended analysis was divided into two parts which were pre-fieldtrip sampling
method and post-sampling fieldtrip method For pre-field trip sampling method filter paper
was prepared Glass fibre filter papers (GFIC 47 mm diameter 045 )lm membrane) was
rinsed with di tilled water placed on a piece of aluminium paper and left overnight at 103shy
105 OC in the oven The next day the filter paper that was left to cool in the desiccator before
the initial weight were weighed by using electronic balance For post-field trip sampling
method filtrat iOn process was carried out by usin~ vacuum filtration Water samples at each
station were collected by using a Van Dorn water sampler in triplicates at three depths of subshy
surface layer (02 m) mid layer (10 m) and bottom layer (20 m) A volume of water sample
(shaken well) was poured into the filter funnel Once all of the water has been drained out
filter paper was removed from the filtration funnel and placed into the aluminium foil The
filter paper then was dried in oven at 103-105 degC for 2 hours (APHA 2000) The filter paper
was taken out and allowed to cool before it was weighed again The drying process was
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL
continued until a constant weight was achieved The amount of TSS was determined by using
the fonnula
TSS (mgl) = final weight (mg) - initial weight (mg) volume of water (1000 ml)
373 Cbloropbyll-a analysis
One litre water sample was filtered by using vacuum pump in semi dark room The
filter paper containing chlorophyll-a was analyzed and grounded by using grinder for 5
minutes Then 5 to 6 mL of 90 acetone was added into each sample Samples were
transferred into capped test tube and 90 acetone was added into the test tube to make up the
10 mL volume The test tube then was wrapped with aluminium foil and placed in the
refrigerator at 4 degC for 4 to 18 hours to facilitate the complete extraction of the pigments The
liquid then was transferred into centrifuge tube and placed into centrifuge for 10 minutes
under 3000 rpm The optical density was determined by using spectrophotometer at 750 nm
664 run 647 nrn and 630 nm wavelength Extinction for each of the small turbidity blank was
corrected by subtracting 750 nm from 664nm 647 nm and 630 nm absorptions (APHA
2000) The concentration of chlorophyll-a in the extract after correction was calculated as
below
Chlorophyll-a = 1185 (E664-E750) - 154 (E647-E750) - 008 (E630-E750)
where
E = The ~bsorption in the respective wavelength
Calculation of the chlorophyll-a amount per unit volume is as follow
Chl-a (mgL) = (Ca x v) V
where
Ca =Chlorophyll concentration in lgmL
v = Volume of acetone in mL
V = Volume of sample in mL