'Bilis' fish near extinction

PADANG, West Sumatra: The bilis fish (mysfacolcucus padangensis), a species exclusive to Singkarak lake in West Sumatra, is on the brink of extinction, a fisheries expert said on Monday.

Hafrijal Syandri of the privately run Bung Hatta University said the use of Singkarak lake as a source of power for turbine- generated electricity has resulted in a lowering of the lake's water level.

"The water level has dropped to 360 meters from the normal 363 meters," Hafrijal said, adding the condition was affecting the habitat of the fish.

The situation is further aggravated by fishermen who commonly use traditional langli nets to catch the fish.

In a day, from a single net, fishermen can gather up to 100 kilograms of fish which is sold at around Rp 4,000 per kilogram.

In a bid to help protect the fish's habitat, the university's School of Fishery is working together with the state electricity company PLN to spread thousands of fish eggs in ponds in Guguk hamlet.

Later in August, the hatched fish will be transported to Singkarak lake.(28)