KOTA KINABALU: The marine ecosystem in the waters off Bohayan Island, Semporna, received a boost with Jetama Sdn Bhd initiating a seagrass planting project.
Held in conjunction with World Seagrass Day, this initiative on Saturday (March 1) involved company staff and other agencies planting seagrass in a small area as part of their commitment to marine ecosystem conservation.The participants spent a total of nine hours planting an overall of 900sq ft of seagrass, between a 0.3m and three metre depth starting on Feb 27 and ending on March 1.These volunteers could only do a maximum of three hours per day due to the high tide and strong sea currents.Eight people were involved in the underway seagrass planting while 10 were on above the water to assist other matters.Three types of seagrass - Enhalus Acoroides, Halodule Uninervis, Thalassia Hemprichii - were planted in this event and all these variants could be found nationwide.
Jetama chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang said the programme in collaboration with the Semporna Tourism Association, Dive Master Association, and the local community, continues a similar programme in Sepanggar Island last year.
"This seagrass planting activity is a continuation of the company’s initiative in response to the state government’s call to preserve the blue carbon ecosystem, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan," he said.
"This project follows the Jetama Seagrass Planting Programme previously conducted on Sepanggar Island in September last year," he added.
Ahmad said Jetama remained committed to raising awareness about environmental conservation through seagrass planting projects, ensuring benefits for the tourism industry and maritime communities.
“This is to contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon dioxide and maintaining marine ecosystem balance as well," he said.
According to Jetama, seagrass plays a crucial role in blue carbon sequestration, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and coastal waters more effectively than terrestrial forests.
Additionally, it supports the stability of marine ecosystems by filtering seawater and reducing coastal erosion.
However, seagrass is currently under threat due to coastal development, pollution, and overfishing activities.
Therefore, conservation efforts are vital, as seagrass also serves as a primary habitat for marine life, including fish, turtles, and other macro marine organisms.
