Sabah islands set to become marine research centre

KOTA KINABALU: Three islands in Sabah – Billean, Lankayan and Tegaipil – are set to become part of a centre for international research into tropical coral reef ecosystems.

The centre, which encompasses the islands under the Sugud Islands Conservation Area, off Sabah’s east coast, will also see efforts being undertaken to restock commercially important and threatened marine species in the state.

The Sugud Islands Marine Research Centre (SIMRC), covering 46,317ha in shallow reef area, was set up following a memorandum of understanding signed between the Sabah Wildlife Department, Reef Guardian Sdn Bhd and Cardiff University on Sunday.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, who witnessed the signing, said the centre would enhance research and conservation of the marine ecosystem and scientifically assess the success of the conservation area.

“This will definitely increase the interest of local and international scientists for coral reef ecosystem research in the region as well as boost eco-tourism in the east coast of Sabah,” he said.

Cardiff University research associate Dr Benoit Goossens said the centre would provide a world-class education and research facility with the necessary structure and resources to study advanced marine ecosystem science, particularly in the field of small tropical islands and coral reef ecology.

“We will offer field courses to our students and others to undertake training at the centre,” he said.

He added that, among others, it would help to raise funds for goods and extra laboratory equipment.

Reef Guardian research officer and SIMRC manager Davies Austin Spiji said the centre would assist in efforts to restock commercially important and threatened marine species in Sabah through mariculture practices.

The centre will also promote awareness on conservation among local stakeholders.