KOTA KINABALU: A pioneering effort to restore tropical eucheumatoid seaweeds off Pulau Selakan in Semporna is emerging as a milestone in Malaysia’s marine conservation journey.
The project brings together researchers, conservationists, government agencies and local communities in a collaborative effort to protect one of Malaysia’s most important marine resources.
The initiative is led by Universiti Malaya (UM) in partnership with Reef Check Malaysia, Sabah Parks and the Selakan Marine Conservation Group, combining scientific expertise with community-driven conservation to strengthen marine ecosystem restoration and support sustainable coastal livelihoods.
Project leader Prof Dr Lim Phaik Eem from UM’s Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences described the programme as a landmark achievement for the country.
“This is the first seaweed restoration project in Malaysia focused on tropical eucheumatoids, a group of seaweeds that are both ecologically important and economically valuable to coastal communities.
“Through this project, we aim not only to restore wild populations but also to strengthen scientific knowledge, conservation practices and community stewardship of marine resources,” said Lim.
The restoration effort forms part of the international Seaweed-Protect project, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council under UK Research and Innovation.
The project is implemented through a global partnership involving the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom, the Scottish Association for Marine Science and UM, with additional support provided through the UM Matching Fund.
Eucheumatoid seaweeds, which include commercially important carrageenan-producing species, play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity, sustaining coastal livelihoods and driving the growing seaweed industry.
However, wild populations are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat degradation and other human-induced pressures.
Pulau Selakan was selected as the restoration site due to its ecological significance and the strong commitment shown by the local community towards marine conservation.
Members of the Selakan Marine Conservation Group are actively involved in restoration activities, ensuring conservation efforts are grounded in local knowledge and community participation.
