Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Coral reefs are being damaged by human activities, which reduces their ability to provide things we need. One response to this is to rehabilitate coral reefs so that they return to their original condition, and continue to provide the things we need. How does this work? We identify damaged coral reef areas and re-grow corals by transplanting live coral from other areas. It is a complex, time-consuming and long-term effort, but experience shows that it can work.

Reef Check Malaysia has been conducting reef rehabilitation efforts in various locations across Malaysia for more than 10 years. We have also experimented with different methods and discovered what works best in each of these locations. RCM recognises the importance of local community participation in conservation and we have trained members of our Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) to conduct reef rehabilitation efforts and maintenance in their islands.

Recently, our Kulapuan Marine Conservation Group (KMCG) embarked on an exciting new journey in their coral rehabilitation program – using the spider frame method. They started with placing anti-rust coated frames in areas with extensive coral rubble. The team then carefully collected broken coral fragments and secured them to the frames with cable ties, giving them a second chance to grow. Previous methods employed in Kulapuan Island include the bottle reef and reef star methods. This effort was made even stronger with support from the Larapan Marine Conservation Group (LMCG) and Pemimpin Iklim Mabul.

Meanwhile, the reef rehabilitation nurseries managed by the Larapan Marine Conservation Group (LMCG) has been showing great progress. The team has been working hard to maintain the nurseries, ensuring the corals stay healthy and continue to grow! The white damsel fish (Tibuk Putih) has started nesting in some areas, and their nests are now covered with algae. Since these fish tend to "farm" algae, LMCG has been working extra hard to clear the overgrowth to prevent it from smothering the planted corals. They have also been clearing drupella snails from the sites, which tend to feed on live coral tissue.

These youth-led CMCGs are doing incredible work to protect their reefs! Collaboration between CMCGs not only strengthens conservation efforts but also builds a united front in restoring our oceans for the future.

NOTE: Reef Check Malaysia has also release a "Reef Rehabilitation Toolkit" which is available for download here. 

Recently, 10 youths from the Selakan Marine Conservation Group (SMCG) attended the Eco-Friendly Snorkel Guide (EFSG) training, as part of our community empowerment project. This training was supported by the Resilience Fund and Sabah's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment through a collaborative coral restoration project with Sabah Parks (the state legislative body involved with protecting the local parks). This marks the first batch of many EFSG training sessions planned across Sabah. 

A second training in Semporna certified 19 new guides who successfully completed the 4-day EFSG training program. This initiative was supported by Green Fins and the Malaysia Red Crescent Society, as well as Sabah's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment  (KePKAS).

During these training sessions, participants will learn about marine ecosystems, their importance, and best practices for protecting them during snorkelling activities. The training also includes theory sessions on marine conservation, practical exercises on guide briefings and mock snorkelling tours, as well as first aid training. The aim of the training is to equip snorkel guides with skills and knowledge to guide their snorkelling customers, to ensure that the snorkelling sessions are safe and environmentally-friendly while also being enjoyable. 

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) has also trained snorkel guides in other islands such as Tioman Island, Perhentian Island and Redang Island.