Oral Presentation Freshwater Sciences 2023

Knowledge Transfer for Integrated Invasive Aquatic Weed Management with Community Participation as Citizen Scientists in Malaysia (#209)

SITI NORASIKIN ISMAIL 1 , AMIRRUDIN AHMAD 1 , MASHHOR MANSOR 2
  1. UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU, Malaysia
  2. SCHOOL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, MINDEN, PULAU PINANG, MALAYSIA

Water resources management is a critical development issue because of its many links to poverty reduction, including health, agricultural productivity, industrial and energy development and sustainable growth in downstream communities. The establishment of invasive aquatic weeds would impact the local water balance, ecosystems, human health, navigation, and the quality of the water. It is evident that the participation of the local community plays a crucial role in the success of weed management programs. The majority of noxious aquatic weeds are either tiny algae or flowering plants. Some of the more problematic ones have an international distribution, where the tropics' dry and humid regions both experience the worst issues. Aquatic weeds can be managed using a number of manual and mechanical techniques. Chemical controls, biological controls, habitat modification, environmental controls, and integrated controls are other options. Aquatic weed harvesting occasionally results in a product that can be sold, such as the goods produced from water hyacinth. The choice of a suitable control mechanism is influenced by direct and capital expenses, the necessary skills, institutional needs, as well as cultural, health and safety considerations. Monitoring systems can greatly lower the cost of control by providing early notice of impending aquatic plants by applying smart technologies such as applications that can identify the species and location for management. Since anthropogenic factors are the primary drivers of the establishment and spread of invasive plant species, community education and participation are essential.