The percentage of live coral cover (LCC) in Malaysian marine parks and fishing prohibited areas (FPA) rose to 54.23% from 50.96% in 2022.
Fisheries Department director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said based on its records, the average national LCC in 2023 was 45.87%, considered medium coverage.
“The percentage of LCC in marine parks and FPA is higher than the national LCC.
“This shows the effectiveness of coral reef management in protected areas,” he said in conjunction with World Oceans Day, as reported by Bernama.
Adnan said some research showed decline in LCC from natural threats and human activity.
The department, he shared, had monitored reefs in line with World Oceans Day 2024 themed “Catalysing Action for Our Oceans & Climate”.
The monitoring carried out by non-governmental organisations, researchers and volunteers assesses the health and diversity of reef species and water quality.
“This identifies threats such as unsustainable fishing,” he said.
Adnan added that the department installed five permanent monitoring stations to collect data in marine parks at five-minute intervals, with the information helping to come up with solutions.
Adnan said the Fisheries Department was also involved in reef conservation efforts.
An 1,045.63sqm area in front of Pulau Redang Marine Park Centre, Terengganu, had been restored after the 2019 Tropical Storm Pabuk, he said, and pointed out similar efforts in Pulau Perhentian.
As for Kedah’s Pulau Payar Marine Park, Adnan said 813sqm had been restored.
He said marine parks in Tioman, Sibu-Tinggi, Redang and Perhentian islands were identified as resilient reefs.
“These areas will be protected to prevent coral bleaching,” he said, adding that the department would continue to protect the country’s marine life in ensuring sustainable fishing.
