Project update - Malaysia Reef Conservation Project (Malaysia) - October 2004
Added to website: 01 October 2004
Project Brief
Aim
The Malaysia Coral Reef Conservation Project is an ongoing project to survey coral reefs of a number of areas within Malaysia. CCC work at the invitation of, and in partnership with the Malaysian Department of Marine Parks under the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources. In contrast to CCC projects elsewhere in the world, the Malaysian projects have so far been based in existing designated marine parks. Data collected by CCC is to be presented in the form of a habitat map, which the Department of Marine Parks can then use to more effectively manage their resources.
Location
CCC is currently based in Pulau Payar Marine Park, about 20 miles from the popular tourist destination of Pulau Langkawi on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia.
The early days of October saw the team move from Pulau Redang Marine Park on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia to Pulau Payar Marine Park on the west coast. The approaching monsoon on the east coast initiated this move. It is hoped to return to the Redang area post monsoon in March 2005 or so.
Pulau Payar Marine Park consists of four islands, the largest of which is Pulau Payar (about 1 km by 200 metres wide). Pulau Lembo, Pulau Kaca and Pulau Segantang make up the remaining islands within the park.
CCC Partners
CCC is working at the invitation of and in partnership with the Marine Parks Department of the Ministry for Natural Resources and Environment.
Marine Science Programme
A revised survey method is to be introduced in Pulau Payar to allow for greater statistical repeatability and flexibility in analysis during future surveys as well as allowing direct comparison to pre-existing data sets. However, surveying has not yet commenced fully.
The survey area will be divided into five sectors, one sector for each island, with Pulau Payar itself divided as it is significantly larger than the others.
Surveys of fish, coral and other invertebrate species will be undertaken at 200 m intervals around the coasts of the islands. Surveys will be undertaken at 4 m depth intervals at each survey site.
It is no longer anticipated that direct Reefcheck surveys will be undertaken. However, the specific data required by Reefcheck will be extracted from the relevant surveys and forwarded to the Reefcheck HQ.
Interesting / Unusual Sightings
On the more unusual side of things, a Sailfin (similar to Marlin) was observed during a safety stop off Pulau Lima (Redang) not long before leaving the island. Occasional whale sharks were also observed during September on Redang although not by the CCC team.
Not long after arrival on Pulau Payar an eagle ray was spotted. Fish life overall on P. Payar appears diverse, with abundant Butterfly fish, Rabbit fish, Moorish idols, Triggerfish, Puffer fish and a resident Barracuda. Black tip reef sharks are also regular visitors. Nudibranchs are also diverse and relatively abundant in the area. There is a mantis shrimp resident in the shallows of the house reef.
Environmental Awareness
Capacity Building/Training of Local Counterparts
CCC staff members conducted a workshop for Divemasters working for dive operations on Redang. The aim of the workshop was to increase Divemaster awareness of coral ecology so as they can pass this on to those visiting the area, ensuring their continued sustainable use of the resources upon which their livelihoods depend.
The Project Scientist also participated in a Project Aware on Pulau Redang. The aim of the project was to increase awareness of divers, and was conducted by a dive shop from Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with two resorts on the island.
Whilst there are no immediate plans for environmental awareness projects in the Pulau Payar area, CCC aims to conduct a number of programmes whilst located in the vicinity.
