The team has initiated the use of “satia” wood, a raft material that appears to be strong and economically viable for the purpose. However, the effect of direct exposure to sunlight and its durability remain unknown at the moment. After arrival, recommendations were made to alter the dimension and the arrangement of the plastic floats (Fig. 1). The purpose of the modification is twofold. Firstly, such a modification could allow the maximum number of floats to be fitted on to the rafts, thus allowing the provision of the maximum buoyancy. Secondly, this arrangement of floats could minimize the amount of load exerted on the “satia”. It is also recommended that wooden plank of a dimension of 20.32 cm (ca. 8 in.) in width and 2.54 cm (ca. 1 in.) in thickness be placed on the frame of the raft to allow ease in the handling of the hanging cages.
Due to the shallow nature and fast moving tidal waters at the site and the existence of sizeable natural population of puffer fish in the area, it is recommended that rigid frame cages with good quality galvanized iron netting be introduced as a substitute for the polyethylene cages (Fig. 2). However, the economic viability of this is very much a concern of this pilot project. Therefore, only four cages had been ordered. Two of the cages have a mesh size of 2.5 cm (ca. 1 in.); whereas, the remaining two have a mesh size of 1.27 cm (ca. 1/2 in.). The layout of these is shown in Fig. 3.
The team has initiated the use of knotted eighteen-twine polyethylene netting for the cages. In view of the swift tidal currents in the area, it is recommended that a square frame of a dimension of 2.44 m (ca. 8 ft), made of 2.54 cm (ca. 1 in.) diameter galvanized piping be placed at the bottom of the cages. Apart from distending the cage, the frame also provides the weight necessary for the cage to withstand the forces of fast moving waters.
At the time, the team was mainly utilizing the beach seine designed by Messrs. Faisal Katanyuwong and Gisli Jonasson, as cited by previous survey team for fry and fingerling collection. In view of the amount of debris on the bottom in the area, it is recommended that additional weights be put onto the sinker rope of the seine, and also the sinker rope and the ground rope should be tied together in order to minimize escapement of fish from the bottom of the seine.
A total of ten traps was constructed by the Master Fish Farmer (Fig.4). Possible sites where traps should be set were discussed among members of the team. It was generally agreed that suitable sites for the trial should be located on the northwestern coast of the lagoon, i.e. in the vicinity of stations 2, 4, and 6 (Fig. 5) (Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Hong Kong and Division of Fisheries, Malaysia, 1977).
3.5 Bottom longline
A bottom longline was also rigged by the Master Fish Farmer. It is to be tested as another means of fish seed collection, using No. 18 hooks. The method of handling this equipment has been demonstrated at site.
