Conversion Mangrove Area into Fishponds: A Case Study of Ambong Bay, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

The mangrove forest is one of the most productive marine ecosystems supporting coastal communities. It is one of the richest storehouses of biological diversity and primary productivity in the tropical region. This chapter provides a case study on small-scale farming from former mangrove areas and its challenges. In Ambong Bay, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia, mangrove areas are owned by the coastal community and have been developed for small-scale fish farming. The objectives were to identify mangrove areas to be converted to fish ponds, to measure water quality and fish health in the pond, and to estimate the profit gained from the fish pond. At the project’s end, the profit earned from the fish farm activities was calculated. The case study was carried out between October 2021 and June 2023. The Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah distributed about 330 juvenile fish of Asian sea bass to the farmers. The conversion of mangrove areas to fish ponds involved more than ten families. The measured water parameters and fish health fall within the range of common pond water quality. The growth rate of Asian sea bass was approximately 3.7 cm per month (128 g per month), with a fish survival rate of approximately 67%. Predators and the lack of pond management pose challenges for farmers to optimize their harvest. The baseline information gathered can be utilized for awareness and education programs highlighting the importance of sustainable farming and mangrove conservation. The program is part of the activities in implementing the ten essentials to achieve the National Goals of ensuring food security for the nation (Goal 5), Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 14 (life below water).