18-06-2025
Adopt A Coral To Help Restore Coral Reefs
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- If you have ever adopted a cat or planted a tree, how about adopting a coral?
Aquaria KLCC issued a call to action today as it launched Phase 3 of its coral conservation initiative carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The third phase unveiled a Coral Adoption Programme, which is a nationwide effort inviting the public and corporations to take part in coral reef restoration and marine biodiversity preservation.
UMT Faculty of Science and Marine Environment senior lecturer Associate Prof Dr Tan Chun Hong said under the coral restoration project, initiated in 2018, they aim to expand the coral garden around Pulau Bidong, Kuala Terengganu, to 2,000 square metres and restore 3,000 coral nubbins by 2027.
'We want to help the corals recover better. I remember diving at Pantai Pasir Cina (in Pulau Bidong) 20 to 25 years ago when it had 100 percent live coral cover, with turtles and baby black-tipped sharks swimming around.
'But over the years, coral bleaching due to climate change has reduced the live coral cover significantly and slowed recovery. Restoration is like planting trees on land,' Dr Tan said after the launch event here today.
He said although the restoration process was challenging, more than 1,000 coral nubbins had been restored under Phase 1 and Phase 2 since 2018. Coral nubbins are small fragments of corals harvested from larger coral colonies.
'Funding remains the biggest challenge. We're fortunate to work with corporate partners like Aquaria KLCC who have supported us consistently.
'Another challenge is public awareness. Since corals are underwater and out of sight, many people don't realise what is happening. We need to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face,' he said.
Meanwhile, Department of Fisheries Malaysia deputy director-general (development) Datuk Azahari Othman said coral restoration is crucial in sustaining the country's fish stocks, especially within the marine protected areas (MPAs).
