Kua Beng Chu and Nur Ashikin Arbi have been actively involved in aquatic animal health research focusing on parasites. Using information of marine leech parasite life cycle, they have developed Break & Protect 2 (BP2) which is able to reduce losses of marine leech infestation in farmed fish.
BP2 is currently the only physical anti-leech device, which does not involve any usage of chemicals thus reducing pollution in the environment. Placing and removing the device in and out of the cages continually over a certain fixed period helps to lower the population of marine leeches from infesting the farmed fish significantly. BP2 provides a long-term solution towards sustainability and cost savings.
The research scientists led the BP2 project at the Parasitology Laboratory of National Fish Health Research Division at Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
Q&A
What are your plans or what do you hope to achieve with your innovation in the next few years?
“We hope this innovation can make significant impacts in the effort to reduce the usage of chemicals and provides a long-term solution towards chemical pollution before it enters into our food chain or accumulates in the environment over the years.”
What kind of support would you like to grow your innovation from other stakeholders such government, international organisations and the business community?
“Support from government and business communities through recognition of BP2 as a fish health management tool/system could increase production yield and create a sustainable aquaculture environment. Support from international organisations and global connections will further promote BP2 as a user friendly product for producing healthy fishes and boost the aquaculture economy.”