Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Since our last report on ghost net sighting and removal on 9 January, we have received many more reports of ghost nets or discarded Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) stuck on coral reefs around Tioman Island. 

Our team on the island along with the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG) who are local islanders trained by us to address marine conservation issues and threats, managed to remove these debris and prevent further destruction of the reefs. 

30 January - Ghost net near Batu Salang

4 February - Ghost net

5 February - FAD near Monkey Bay (In the past, FAD were made with coconut leaves but now they are being made with plastic strings. When no longer wanted, they are cut and dumped. It is extremely hard to cut free the plastic strings from the reef as they get very tangled, and the bits that are stuck break down to microplastic)

7 February - Ghost nets near Panuba and Lighthouse

When we remove these threats, we need to hire boats, dive tanks, and pay for fuel to reach these affected reef areas. Often, it is hardwork and requires lots of manpower to remove the heavy fishing nets. We hope illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illegal dumping can be reduced but this requires a concerted effort from all levels of government and parties involved. Help us protect the fragile marine ecosystem by supporting our work!