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Reef Check Malaysia

Although reef survey data exist for Malaysia, much of the information is fragmented and outdated. In 2001, Reef Check appointed a coordinator for Malaysia, who has carried out a number of training and awareness activities.

Founded in 1996, Reef Check is an international volunteer programme that works with communities, governments and businesses to scientifically monitor, restore and maintain coral reef health. Reef Check’s objectives are to:

  • Educate the public about coral reef crisis
  • Create a global network of volunteer teams — trained in Reef Check’s scientific methods — that regularly monitor and report on reef health
  • Facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions
  • Stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.

    • In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey that provided scientific confirmation of coral reef health — coral reefs around the world are in crisis due to over-fishing, illegal fishing and pollution. Since then, Reef Check’s fast-growing network has expanded to over 70 countries and has played a major role in efforts to preserve and sustain reef ecosystems.

    The UK government has recently agreed to fund a project, supporting the establishment of a Reef Check Centre in Malaysia as an on-going, non-profit body, to further develop the activities of the coordinator. The project will focus on:

  • Training divers to conduct Reef Checks, and establish a programme of Reef Check surveys in Malaysia
  • Educating divers, resort operators, government bodies and the general public about Reef Check and how the centre supports coral reef conservation in Malaysia
  • Developing necessary data analysis and reporting systems to collect data from Reef Check surveys and make it available to relevant decision makers.

    • The project runs from August 2006 to July 2007, by which time Reef Check Malaysia should be well established and financially independent. We need the support of the diving communities in both Malaysia and Singapore to make this project a success.

    For more information on how to get involved, kindly contact Project Manager, Julian Hyde.

    This entry was posted on Sunday, September 3rd, 2006 at 11:00 pm and is filed under Destinations, Environment.

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