News

Introduce Zoning System To Protect Coral Reef Ecosystems – UMT researcher

KUALA NERUS, Sept 20  — The Terengganu government has been urged to implement a special system to create several categories of zones to protect the coral reef ecosystems found in the state’s waters.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) coral researcher Dr Tan Chun Hong said, apart from helping to prevent destruction of the marine treasures, the special zone system would also facilitate monitoring by the enforcement agencies.

“We at UMT are ready to share our expertise to make this a reality. This is one of the initial steps that can be taken by the state government in protecting coral reefs that are currently facing threats to their survival.

“The different zoning systems such as having special areas designated for scuba diving and snorkeling, scientific research, aquatic farming activities and exclusive sites closed to all parties, could help this conservation effort in the long run,” he said.

Australia has adopted this zoning system at the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, and the move taken by the country has created a positive conservation impact.

Even though this method has not been adopted in Malaysia, it is not too late for the government to initiate it because the rate at which coral reefs are dying nowadays, at five per cent a year, is quite alarming.

He said one of the main factors of coral reef destruction was global warming, but this can be controlled by humans by reducing carbon dioxide emissions or choosing green and environmentally friendly sources of energy.

“In addition, seawater pollution due to increased nutrients such as untreated wastewater, agricultural and industrial chemical waste and garbage, also contribute to global warming.

“The authorities need to take strict measures to control these, not only for the sake of the coral reefs, but also for environmental sustainability in general.

“As such, this zoning system is important so that conservation programmes to regrow corals can be carried out in the designated areas … where the coral reefs have been damaged, the sites must be closed to allow them to recover naturally,” he said.

Currently, there are almost 550 species of coral reefs in the country’s waters and UMT is actively conducting several studies related to their reproductive system and growth of coral reefs as well as collecting data on the record of their existence nationwide.

He added that since the reopening of the tourism sector in Terengganu on Sept 1, the resort islands have come alive again with the presence of visitors.

“If the zoning system is in place, enforcement monitoring can be much easier as the exclusive zones will not be ‘disturbed’ by visitors. This can reduce the risk of unintended coral reef damage caused by tourists who may accidentally step on them or by movements that could cause the reef structure to break.

“Therefore, while the zoning system is still not implemented, tour operators at every island need to take responsibility to remind tourists to be careful when snorkeling and scuba diving, to minimise damage,” he added.

Sources: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Zoom into Brilliance, HUAWEI Pura 80 Series Arrives in Malaysia with Unmatched Camera Power and Striking Design

HUAWEI Malaysia has officially unveiled its next-generation flagship lineup, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, setting a… Read More

19 hours ago

PayNet Joins MIT CSAIL’s FinTechAI Initiative as Sole Malaysian Member, Pioneering Ethical AI in Finance

Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) has been named the sole Malaysian founding member of… Read More

19 hours ago

NakNak’s Bold Bulgogi Series: Big Flavours, Korean Vibes & A Side of Curly Fries

Homegrown quick service restaurant brand NakNak is turning up the flavour this season with the… Read More

2 days ago

Eco-Shop Ushers in Merdeka Spirit with Nationwide “Satu Senyuman, Seribu Makna” Campaign

Eco-Shop, Malaysia’s Leading Ultra Affordable Household Retailer, is calling on Malaysians to rediscover the beauty… Read More

2 days ago

Stephen Curry Takes Curry Camp Global, First Stop, Asia!

Stephen Curry is going global. For the first time ever, his iconic Curry Camp is… Read More

2 days ago

Charge Fast, Stay Cool, Live Free CUKTECH Celebrates Merdeka with Pocket-Sized Power Tools

Say hello to hassle-free charging, cool commutes, and gadgets that just work, anytime, anywhere. The… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.