Divers planting blocks of artificial reefs.
IN October, marine biologists and students at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Borneo Marine Institute lowered 10 cube-shaped concrete blocks into the Kota Kinabalu sea.
They were not dumping the structures. Instead, they were out to save marine life.
And just two months on, reef fish and other marine species have started to gather and make the coral nursery site their home.
The coral nursery was first set up at a jetty under the university’s care on Oct 16. The objective was for students to learn more about coral reefs, their rehabilitation, conservation and protection, said the Coral Nursery Site organising chairman Dr Mohammad Fikri Akmal Mohammad Khodzori.
It would bring them closer to give them more exposure about the coral ecosystem as they learn about the subject, he said at the official launching of the Coral Nursery Site recently.
Mohammad Fikri Akmal said that when the reefs were first laid down at the jetty sea beds, they had to make sure that the area had conducive flow of water and fit the environment for coral growth.It was also vital for them to do cleanups, maintenance and care on the reefs to encourage coral growth, he said.
Kasim (second left) with other officials at the coral nursery officiating ceremony.
“Over time, sediments and algae would fall and get attached to these reefs so we had to clean these things up to enable coral growth,” Mohammad Fikri Akmal explained.
He said that after more than a month, reef fish arrived and turned the site into their habitat, which means their efforts are paying off.
UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor said marine ecosystems such as coral reefs are at the pulse of marine species and are great seabed retainers that reduce erosion.
Unfortunately, they have been greatly damaged by human activities, he said.
“Coral reef sites are also a wonderful tourist attraction.
“Therefore, we are proud to be part of an initiative that helps to regulate the ecosystem,” Kasim said.
He said this is also part of the bigger Coral Triangle Initiative to preserve, protect and conserve marine biodiversity.Kasim said UMS would continue to work with various agencies such as non-governmental organisations like WWF-Malaysia, Sabah Parks and other environmentally-related organisations in the effort to preserve and protect the marine environment and ecosystem in the state.
