West Jakarta KPKP Captures Over 100 Suckermouth Catfish in Olimo Canal

The West Jakarta Food Security, Marine and Agriculture Sub-agency (KPKP) conducted an operation to capture suckermouth catfish in the Olimo Canal, precisely in front of the Tangki sluice gate on Jalan Hayam Wuruk, RW 06 Mangga Besar, Tamansari, on Friday. The joint operation successfully netted more than 100 suckermouth catfish with a total weight reaching 59 kilograms. “This activity is the ninth phase of the suckermouth catfish capture operation in West Jakarta. We control this invasive fish because it is a predator of local fish and to prevent damage to embankments or water infrastructure due to the fish’s nesting holes,” said Head of the West Jakarta KPKP Sub-agency, Bety Rohmawati. Bety stated that this action is a concrete step in maintaining the balance of the aquatic ecosystem while controlling the population of invasive species that have the potential to damage natural habitats. In its implementation, the West Jakarta KPKP collaborated with the Centre for Production, Inspection and Certification of Fishery Products (PPISHP), the Water Agency Unit of the Environmental Agency, Public Facilities and Infrastructure Handling officers (PPSU) from Mangga Besar Urban Village, and the Tamansari District leadership. Besides threatening the preservation of the local ecosystem, Bety also highlighted the public health risks. The suckermouth catfish, which often live in polluted waters, are sometimes hunted by individuals to be used as raw material for processed food. However, according to research findings, the fish from these areas have been contaminated with dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, as well as high levels of heavy metals. “The captured suckermouth catfish were immediately taken by officers to be buried dead at the Kembangan Agricultural Extension Centre (BPP),” Bety added. Meanwhile, Tamansari District Head Simson Hutagalung expressed his full appreciation and support for the operation initiated by the West Jakarta KPKP. According to him, controlling the population of this fish is crucial to maintaining the resilience of city infrastructure and the environment. “By controlling the suckermouth catfish population, it is hoped that environmental damage can be reduced. The quality of the aquatic environment will improve and the risk of long-term damage to canal embankments can be minimised,” said Simson.