Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

A few weeks ago, we noticed a sharp increase in the population of a coral predator, Crown-of-Thorns (COT) around Tioman Island. COT feeds on corals and in the right numbers, they play an important role in keeping the ecosystem equilibrium. However, in large numbers, they are detrimental to the coral reef ecosystem. 

With logistical (boats and tanks) and manpower support from Tioman Dive Centre, Moby-Tek Dive Company, and Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG), we managed to elimate 80 COTs from Renggis and Pirate Reef sites. We injected the COTs with a vinegar solution that will kill them. COTs thrive when the water quality is poor. 

On Saturday 14 March 2020, our team on Mantanani Island organized a Coral Day to raise awareness on marine conservation for the local community. There were 3 main activities to cater to different age groups and skill levels of the islanders:

• Awareness talk and activity for kids: We highlighted the importance of coral reefs and marine ecosystem for Mantanani Island, where the school children will likely depend on for their livelihoods in the future.
• Recycling workshop with villagers from Siring Bukit: We celebrated the accomplishments of the Siring Bukit Village with implementing a waste management system for the past 16 months. They have adhered to separating their waste at source and collectively, prevented more than 8,000 kg of trash from escaping into the environment and ocean. 
• Coral restoration with local youths: We conducted a coral rehabilitation trial using a coral frame and corals of opportunity (broken coral fragments found near the sites) with 6 islanders from the Mantanani Youth Club. We will be monitoring the growth of the coral reefs and will look into expanding the efforts if proven to be successful.