Jakarta, IO – Local residents start to worry about the disappearance of Rinuak, one of the unique fishes of West Sumatra. This local fish known to Agam people has become rare because its habitat in Lake Maninjau has been polluted by waste.
This was conveyed by Agam Food Security and Fisheries Office head Rosva Deswira. Based on research and fishermen’s reports, fish in the volcanic lake water have become scarce since the end of 2022.
“Rinuak fishes are becoming rare and difficult for fishermen to catch in Lake Maninjau. This is based on our observations around the lake,” he said, reported Inews Sumbar, Tuesday (4/4).
In addition to Rinuak, other species of fishes in Lake Maninjau, have died massively due to reduced oxygen levels in the lake. In addition, high rainfall accompanied by strong winds has caused damage to the ecosystem.
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This condition affects the income of local fishermen. Yuliati, a fish seller at the Lubukbasung Garagahan Market, said that fishermen no longer get rinuak in the catch. Usually, these fish are sold at around Rp40,000 to Rp60,000 per kilogram.
“This has been happening in the last few months,” she said. (bp)