Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Our team in Mersing has expanded and is now also doing seagrass monitoring. Joined by a team from DIALOG Langsat Terminal and representatives from MyKasih Foundation, and led by the experts from University of Malaya, we recently embarked on a 15 minutes boat ride to reach the stunning Tanjung Kopok seagrass meadow.

Taking advantage of the low tide, we conducted our monitoring activities, carefully observing and documenting the exposed seagrass beds. Our goal is to gather valuable data and insights that will aid in seagrass conservation efforts.

Seagrass ecosystem is often overlooked although it plays crucial roles in providing food, shelter, and essential nursery areas to commercial and recreational fishery species and to countless invertebrates living in seagrass ecosystem.

Few weeks ago, Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG) was invited by Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG) to Redang Island to share their experiences in conducting marine conservation activities alongside reef managers – the challenges as well as the successes.

The RMCG was also taught by TMCG the different reef rehabilitation methodologies being used in Tioman Island. During the 3 days together, RMCG together with TMCG had deployed over 80 coral frames and coral blocks, and attached over 300 coral nubbins onto the coral blocks and coral frames. Together they also removed a ghost net weighing around 50kg.

The knowledge-sharing session is particularly beneficial as RMCG is still very new and in its infancy. According to Muhaimin, who started as a member of RMCG and is now an Assistant Programme Manager of Cintai Redang, “Learning from TMCG member’s experience and success was really interesting and inspired us to continue growing our RMCG.” It is hoped that RMCG will be a success and more locals will participate in reefs management activities.