Distribution Patterns of Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium spp. Following Stock Enhancement Programme in Sabah, Malaysia

The decline of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium spp. in rivers can be attributed to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution. In order offset pressure, a community-based stock enhancement project was initiated by Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI), University Malaysia Sabah, increase number Petagas River, Putatan, Sabah. This study conducted determine distribution abundance different life stages following stocking programme. prawns were caught using hand net modified prawn trap. A total 539 specimens separated into postlarvae (PL), juvenile adult. Abundance PL (53.47%) found at downstream region (18.06%) midstream while adult (81.63%) upstream region. increased with increasing salinities (R2=0.95) for (R2= 0.98) (R2=0.921) inversely correlated. CPUE PL, positively correlated programme R2=0.89, R2=0.73 R2=0.87 accordingly. is suggested implemented continuously improve population River. will provide baseline information on effectiveness especially Malaysia.