ASSESSING RED DRUM INVASION IN MALAYSIAN WATERS: EARLY EVIDENCE RAISES ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS

 PENANG – A study led by Dr. Norhafiz Hanafi from the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), has provided important insights into the occurrence of adult Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) in Malaysian coastal waters, raising awareness of the potential ecological implications of non-native fish species in the country.

The research documented multiple records of adult Red Drum landed at Parit Jawa, Johor, providing some of the earliest evidence that the species can survive and grow to adulthood under local environmental conditions. Previously, records of Red Drum in Malaysia were largely limited to juvenile individuals or suspected escapees from aquaculture facilities.

According to Dr. Norhafiz, understanding the status of non-native species is essential for safeguarding Malaysia’s marine biodiversity and fisheries resources.

"The presence of adult Red Drum in Malaysian waters highlights the need for continuous monitoring and further research to better understand its ecological implications and potential interactions with native fish species," he said.

Red Drum is a commercially valuable species originally native to the western Atlantic Ocean and has been introduced to several countries for aquaculture purposes. While the species offers potential economic benefits, its establishment in the wild may create competition with native fish species for food and habitat resources.

The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen marine biodiversity monitoring and support evidence-based fisheries management in Malaysia. The study also underscores the importance of early detection and risk assessment of introduced aquatic species before they become permanently established in local ecosystems.

For more details, readers are encouraged to refer to the full article, “Adult Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) in Malaysian Waters: Early Evidence, Implications, and the Way Forward,” published in Fishmail Volume 33 (January–April 2026).

Prepared by: Nur Ain Nabila Binti Mohamad Zaihan
Date: 3 June 2026