SEMPORNA: The State Government will not compromise on any form of encroachment or activities that threaten the sustainability of natural resources in protected areas.
Expressing deep regret over the destruction in the coral restoration site off Pulau Selakan, Taman Marin Tun Sakaran (TMTS), here, due to fish bombing, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said:
“Stern action will be taken against any party found to have breached the relevant legal provisions to ensure Sabah’s rich biodiversity remains preserved for future generations.”
Jafry, in a statement, said he viewed the incident which occurred on May 23 seriously.
“Preliminary information on the incident was received from the Park Honorary Ranger at 11.40am. However, those involved had already left before the enforcement team arrived.
“Initial monitoring by the Community Marine Conservation Group (CMCG) on May 23 found two craters believed caused by fish bombing in the coral reef restoration area,” he said.
According to Jafry, a follow-up inspection on Monday by the TMTS Marine Research Unity with Reef Check Malaysia and CMCG confirmed that the blast had caused extensive damage to marine life in the area.
He revealed that field assessments showed at least 10 frame reef stars had been affected involving an estimated 15 square metres, equivalent to 2.91 per cent of the total restoration area.
Most of the affected coral species included Acropora, Pocillopora, Fimbriaphyllia, Montipora, Porites and Plerogyra, which had been continuously rehabilitated and restored over the past two years through joint restoration efforts involving various parties.
“The estimated cost of maintenance and recovery of the affected area is about RM96,000. The ecosystem service evaluation also showed that the area carries high ecological value and plays important role in sustaining marine biodiversity as well as fisheries resources,” he said.
Jafry stressed that the incident was concerning as it not only disrupted long-term marine conservation works but also threatens the sustainability of fishery resources, marine biodiversity and the safety of visitors, while potentially affecting Sabah’s reputation as an internationally recognised nature tourism destination.
“I have instructed the management of Sabah Parks to review and strengthen strategic measures aimed at enhancing enforcement operations, including the deployment of assets and logistics, the use of technology such as drones and the strengthening of physical enforcement presence in high-risk areas to improve monitoring and protection within Tun Mustapha Park,” he said.
He also called on the maritime community, local fishermen and all parties to continue playing their role as strategic partners in safeguarding the State’s marine resources by reporting any suspicious activities or encroachment within the park area.
