Northern Sarawak Journalists Association, volunteer divers conduct ghost nets cleanup operation
Divers displays the banner of the cleanup operation.
MIRI (May 4): A group of media members and volunteer divers successfully conducted the 'Ghost Nets Cleanup Operation' on April 30.
The programme, which was spearheaded by the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA), was an effort to preserve the local marine ecosystem and promote responsible scuba diving practices.
The initiative was supported by local divers and sponsored by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii.
The divers, comprised of two NSJA members and 10 volunteer divers, conducted the cleanup at popular dive sites namely Anemone Garden, North Siwa, Sunday Reef and Batu Belais.
These areas are known for their rich marine biodiversity within the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park and stunning coral reefs, yet constantly face threats from ghost nets that threaten marine habitats.
Ghost nets refer to fishing nets that have been lost or discarded in the ocean. These often get caught on coral reefs and trap marine life unintentionally, causing injury and death.
Thus, cleanup efforts help save marine life, restore diver site beauty and boost scuba tourism in the area.
According to NSJA president Chai Chon Chin, the programme was initially slated for November 1 last year, but had to be postponed due to poor weather conditions.
He added the association takes marine conservation seriously, emphasising that the ghost nets cleanup was an annual programme carried out consistently by them.
'This initiative not only aims to remove dangerous abandoned nets, but also raise public awareness about the negative impact of ghost nets on marine ecosystems and sea life.'
Apart from cleaning up the ghost nets, the divers also installed a mooring line provided by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
The mooring line was installed to enhance diver safety and protect the coral reefs.
It helps avoid the use of traditional anchors that damage the seabed and coral ecosystems, and allows diver boats to anchor more safely and provide a more eco-friendly and comfortable diving experience for both local and international divers.
NSJA also expressed its interest to continue working with relevant agencies and volunteer communities to organise more marine conservation programmes in the future, ensuring these marine treasurers are preserved for generations to come. Ghost Nets Cleanup Operation journalist lead miri NSJA
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