Coral bleaching threatening reefs off northern Borneo

WWF Malaysia volunteers during a diving expedition to save coral reefs in the waters off northern Borneo.

WWF Malaysia has started an urgent project to save the coral reefs off the coastal shores of northern Borneo island from the increasing risks of coral bleaching.

The environmental body found that pollution and climatic change are causing serious coral bleaching offshore Borneo and other states.

WWF Malaysia Marine Diversity project manager Monique Sumampouw said the first team of volunteers had gone to offshore Semporna to check on the corals on the seabed there.

“WWF Malaysia has found evidences of increasing coral bleaching in the sea off the coastal shores in all parts of the country, especially in those areas where there are a lot of environmental impact.

“For example, here in northern Borneo waters, there is an urgent need to activate an early response plan to tackle these bleaching in the coral reefs on the seabed as these areas are important marine parks.

“Bleaching of coral reefs caused by climate changes and sea pollution as well as human activities, if left unchecked, will cause serious decline in population of marine animals.”

She added that WWF Malaysia wanted to work with coastal and island resort operators, marine park officials, diving operators and tour agencies to tackle this issue.

She stressed that early measures could be taken to rescue corals affected by bleaching.

“People living on the coasts, fishermen and even tourists must be educated on the need to be cautious when carrying out activities in waters where coral reefs are found.

“Through its Reef Check Malaysia Unit, WWF Malaysia is enlisting the help of the state marine authorities to help save the coral reefs in the respective states,” added Sumampouw.