MERSING: Almost 30% of the 261 hard coral species in Mersing waters are classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Johor Fisheries Department director Rosmawati Ghazali said data from the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park showed that 43% of the area is covered by live coral, encompassing 16 species.
As part of conservation measures, thedepartment anchored 10 artificial reefs inthe waters off Pulau Aur yesterday.
Rosmawati said the initiative not only aimed to prevent illegal trawling but also served as a new ecosystem to support the growth of fishery stocks.
“This (artificial reef anchoring programme) plays a key role in restoring the productivity of capture fisheries, safeguarding the livelihoods of the fishing community and ensuring the long-term viability of the state’s fisheries sector,” she said in a statement, Bernama reported.
