IPB University Marine Biologist Reveals Napoleon Fish Threatened by Mining Activities
IPB University marine biologist Dr Mohammad Mukhlis Kamal revealed the urgency of protecting Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus), which are increasingly threatened by mining activities in coastal areas.
Dr Mukhlis stated that the Napoleon fish, or Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is one of the most important coral reef fish species that requires protection. Its existence is not only biologically unique but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the coral reef ecosystem.
“The Napoleon fish is one of the largest coral reef fish species in the world. However, due to its slow growth rate and long reproductive maturity period, this species is highly vulnerable to being caught before it can reproduce,” he said.
This lecturer in Aquatic Resource Management at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) of IPB University added that the fish caught are generally juveniles. This impacts the sustainability of their populations in the wild.
Additionally, Dr Mukhlis explained that these hermaphroditic fish undergo a gender change from female to male as they age and grow in size. “If many female individuals are caught, the population becomes unbalanced, leading to reproductive failure,” he added.
From an ecological perspective, Dr Mukhlis continued, Napoleon fish play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. These animals help control populations of marine invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans, and serve as indicators of a healthy marine environment.
“Their presence is highly sensitive to environmental changes. If coral reefs are damaged or polluted, Napoleon fish populations will be directly affected,” he added.
Unfortunately, these fish face various threats, including mining activities in coastal areas. According to Dr Mukhlis, mining can damage coral reef habitats through sedimentation, pollution, and increased water turbidity, which disrupts the feeding behavior and communication of Napoleon fish.
He explained that mining can also cause chemical changes in seawater, such as increased levels of heavy metals, which can potentially poison fish and disrupt the marine food chain. “Disruptions to the food chain will also affect the availability of food for Napoleon fish and other marine species,” he explained.
Additionally, Dr Mukhlis warned that mining in coastal areas can trigger complex and indirect disturbances to marine ecosystems. Pollution from mining can contaminate seawater, damage seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and alter sediment dynamics along the coastline. As a result, erosion and sedimentation processes are disrupted, which also affects marine habitats.
“Long-term impacts may include changes in marine community structure, reduced biodiversity, and losses for coastal communities dependent on marine resources for their livelihoods,” he said.
Therefore, he emphasized the importance of conservation measures through the establishment of marine protected areas and strict regulations on Napoleon fish fishing. “These efforts are not only to save this species but also to maintain the overall balance of the marine ecosystem,” he explained. (dr) (IAAS/ASY)
