Reef Check Malaysia reports ongoing decline in coral health

The health of Malaysia’s coral reefs has declined for the second consecutive year, according to the latest 2024 Annual Survey Report by Reef Check Malaysia. The organization, which has been conducting reef health assessments for over 17 years, reported that the average percentage of living coral cover now stands at 44.65%, down from 45.87% in 2023.

The survey, which covered over 300 locations across Malaysia, attributed this decline to a combination of tourism-related damage, pollution, and fishing activities. Additionally, the 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event in 2024 significantly impacted coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching recorded at nearly 90% of surveyed locations in Malaysia.

Human Activities Worsening Reef Damage

Reef Check Malaysia’s findings indicate a worrying increase in reef disturbances, with 83% of surveyed locations affected by discarded fishing nets and trash, while 56% experienced damage from boat anchors. In Sabah, 64% of reefs showed signs of dynamite fishing damage, highlighting the severity of destructive fishing practices.

“These human activities are having a devastating impact on our reefs. We must urgently address these local threats to protect our marine ecosystems from these unsustainable practices,” said Julian Hyde, CEO of Reef Check Malaysia.

A particularly concerning issue is the presence of ghost nets, abandoned fishing nets that continue to trap marine life and cause significant physical damage to corals. These nets smother reefs, reducing their ability to recover from bleaching and other environmental stressors.

Community-Based Conservation

To mitigate these threats, Reef Check Malaysia is advocating for better coastal marine management through joint efforts between the government and local communities. The organization emphasizes that empowering local stakeholders leads to more effective conservation outcomes.

“Empowering local communities in marine management gives stakeholders a stronger voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods. Numerous studies suggest that community involvement leads to improved conservation outcomes. Our Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) are a testament to this approach,” Hyde explained.

CMCGs, consisting of trained islanders, work on marine conservation initiatives such as reef monitoring, clean-up efforts, and sustainable fishing education. Reef Check Malaysia believes these community-led programs could play a crucial role in preserving Malaysia’s marine biodiversity.

A Call for Sustainable Tourism

Reef Check Malaysia also stresses the need for a shift towards sustainable tourism, moving away from mass tourism that often leads to reef degradation. The organization urges authorities to promote environmentally responsible tourism by enforcing stricter regulations on tourist activities and reducing the environmental footprint of coastal developments.

“Resilient reefs have a greater chance of withstanding or recovering from the growing threats of climate change. Likewise, resilient communities diversify their economies instead of solely relying on tourism,” Hyde said.

Given that coral reef ecosystems provide food and livelihoods for coastal communities, Reef Check Malaysia is calling for greater government focus on marine biodiversity conservation and stronger efforts to protect the country’s fragile coral ecosystems.

For more information, Reef Check Malaysia can be reached via their website, Facebook, Instagram, or through [email protected].