Dr. Siti Zulaiha binti Zolkaply is a dedicated academic and professional technologist specialising in environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation. Her doctoral research explored the impacts of climate change on fisheries in Selangor, Malaysia and developed practical adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities. This work reflects her broader interest in the intersections of environmental science, socio-economic development, and climate resilience.
Currently, Dr Siti Zulaiha serves as a lecturer at Politeknik Jeli Kelantan under the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia where she imparts her expertise in environmental science and sustainability to the next generation of professionals. Her research interests encompass climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, and community-based adaptation strategies.
In recognition of her professional competencies, she holds the title of Professional Technologist (P.Tech) conferred by the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT)
Conservation Biology, Time series modeling, Genomics & Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Assessment of Climate Impacts on Fish Biodiversity and Distribution in Port Klang, Selangor: Species Status, Vulnerability, and Forecasting Trends
Abstract
Fisheries sustainability is crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and preserving marine natural capital. These aspects play a vital role in understanding the vulnerability of fisheries to climate change and determining appropriate adaptation strategies. This study investigates the impacts of climatic and environmental factors on the distribution, diversity, and condition of fishery resources in Port Klang, Selangor, Malaysia. Fish sampling was conducted across three distinct ecological zones (mangrove, estuary, and open sea) during different monsoon seasons. We analysed species identification, abundance, morphometric measurements, and length-weight relationships (LWR), in addition to multivariate assessments of biodiversity and environmental variables. Results showed that species diversity was lowest in the mangrove area and highest in the open sea, with notable seasonal fluctuations linked to monsoon patterns. The LWR analysis of 12 chosen species showed that Arius maculatus, Amblygaster chacunda, and Scatophagus argus grew in different ways, but only Amblygaster chacunda and Scatophagus argus had a mean Fulton’s condition factor (K) above 1, indicating they were growing better and were healthier. Three species, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Endangered), Telatrygon zugei (Vulnerable), and Pampus argenteus (Vulnerable) were identified as threatened according to IUCN Red List criteria. Despite their current status, forecast models from 2022 to 2030 projected a gradual increase in their populations. Multivariate analysis found that fish assemblage patterns were influenced by a combination of climatic, physical, and chemical variables, but no single environmental factor showed a dominant correlation with species abundance, suggesting multifactorial stressors such as pollution and overfishing. This research presents the first comprehensive baseline data on fish biometry, biodiversity, and long-term projections for threatened fish species in Port Klang. It provides updated LWR and condition factor data for key species, many of which were reported for the first time from the area’s distinct ecological zones and seasonal conditions. The findings are crucial for future fish stock assessments and the development of sustainable management strategies. The newly compiled species checklist underscores the region's rich fish biodiversity and highlights the need for ongoing conservation efforts. Future studies should incorporate more advanced morphometric, meristic, and molecular analyses to deepen understanding of species evolution and enhance conservation forecasting.