Threat to many: Apart from destroying marine ecosystems and disrupting restoration efforts, these spearfishers pose a danger to other divers, the director of the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre said.
KOTA KINABALU: Divers in Sabah’s east coast Pom-Pom Island off Semporna district want the authorities to take stern action following the presence of spearfishers in the area.
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre director Robin Philippo said they noticed three men with scuba gear carrying spears and their catch during a diving expedition at the island on Nov 28.
He said apart from destroying marine ecosystems and disrupting the centre’s restoration efforts, these spearfishers pose a danger to other divers.
“When they saw us, they clearly wanted to get out of our sight as soon as possible.
“For more than a decade, we have been trying to restore Pom-Pom’s fish population only to see them removed by spearfishers while scuba diving.
“This goes against everything we stand for and we have worked tirelessly to restore these reefs and its populations,” he said.
Philippo shared a video of the incident on the TRACC Facebook page, calling on those who can identify the divers to come forward and provide information for further action.
Despite being caught red-handed, he claimed the men managed to get away after an unsafe ascent to the surface and speedy departure on their boat.
Philippo said it is disappointing that the issue still persists despite a similar incident that was highlighted some six months back.
He said this time, it happened at their house reef where daily research, training, surveys and fun dives are done which involve local and international volunteers.
“This presents a massive hazard and safety concern for our divers,” he added.
