Malaysia's coral reefs in 'fair condition', needs stronger local management, says survey

Reef Check Malaysia releases 2020 annual survey report; suggests stronger local management. – File photo courtesy of Reef Check Malaysia.

The overall health of Malaysia's coral reefs is reported to be in fair condition, but some areas are showing signs of decline that need to be addressed, according to Reef Check Malaysia's 2020 report on the status and health of coral reefs around Malaysia

A total of 210 sites across Malaysia were surveyed in 2020, and are a continuation of a National Reef Check Survey Programme that has now run for 14 years. The results indicate that the average live coral cover, a key health indicator, is 41.3%, receiving a “fair” rating. This is a slight increase on 2019 (40.63%), reversing a slow decline that has been observed for 5 years.

However, the average masks a wide range, and many sites recorded indicators of disturbance. Pollution, Crown of Thorns (COT – a coral eating starfish), fish bombing and tourism impacts appear to be the greatest threats facing coral reefs in Malaysia.