Latest news with #GreenFins
Borneo Post
a day ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Coral-eating starfish removed amid outbreak in Semporna
A diver removing a Crown-of-Thorns starfish at Bakungan Island in Semporna. SEMPORNA (June 7): Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), in collaboration with Semporna Aqua Planet and local Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs), has successfully removed 869 Crown-of-Thorns (COT) starfish from the reefs around Bakungan Island in a coordinated emergency reef response. The rapid-response operation was led by RCM staff and trained community members from four islands: Selakan, Larapan, Kulapuan and Pemimpin Belia IKLIM Mabul. The intervention follows a surge in COT outbreaks across Semporna and neighbouring Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu. The coral-eating starfish are known to severely damage reef ecosystems if not promptly managed. 'Outbreaks like this are extremely destructive to reef ecosystems,' said Adzmin Fatta, Programme Manager for Reef Check Malaysia in Semporna. 'The scale and frequency of recent reports are deeply concerning. That's why we're mobilising more trained community teams to respond swiftly to new hotspots.' Crown-of-Thorns starfish is a coral-eating species known to devastate coral ecosystems. RCM also reported ongoing damage from boats anchoring directly on live coral near Timba-Timba Island. With limited enforcement resources, RCM is urging all diving and snorkelling operators to adopt reef-friendly practices immediately. As part of its broader conservation efforts, RCM is promoting the Green Fins programme — a globally recognised initiative that supports the marine tourism industry in adopting sustainable environmental practices. These include proper waste management, avoiding anchor use, and educating tourists on responsible reef behaviour. 'Tour operators play a critical role in reef conservation. By following Green Fins guidelines, they can reduce their ecological footprint and help preserve Semporna's marine heritage for future generations,' Adzmin said. In a positive development, Makatagih Travel & Tours has become the first snorkelling tour operator in Semporna to be assessed and officially join the Green Fins network. While most current members in Malaysia are dive operators, RCM is now expanding assessments to include snorkelling operators, whose activities are more frequent and pose higher cumulative risks to reef ecosystems. 'Our reefs are under increasing pressure — from biological threats like COTs to human impacts from tourism. Now more than ever, urgent and collective action is needed to protect what remains of these vital ecosystems,' said Adzmin. RCM is calling on the public, tourism industry stakeholders, and government agencies to unite in supporting reef protection efforts and safeguarding the long-term health of Semporna's marine environment.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
NGO sounds alarm over starfish outbreak, boat anchoring on corals off Semporna
SEMPORNA: The outbreak of the crown-of-thorns (COT) starfish or Acanthaster planci, and the frequent anchoring of tour boats are affecting the survival of corals off Semporna. Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) programme manager Adzmin Fatta said COT starfish outbreaks, in particular, were extremely destructive to reef ecosystems. "The scale and frequency of recent reports are deeply concerning. That's why we're mobilising more trained community teams to respond swiftly to new hotspots," he said in a statement. He added that RCM, in collaboration with Semporna Aqua Planet and local community marine conservation groups (CMCGs), had successfully removed 869 COT starfish from the reefs around Bakungan Island here. The rapid-response operation was conducted amid the starfish outbreaks in the waters here and neighbouring Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu. In addition to the outbreaks, he said RCM had also received disturbing reports of frequent boat anchorings directly on live coral near Pulau Timba-Timba, threatening the reef's health there. "With limited resources, RCM is urging all diving and snorkelling operators to immediately adopt reef-friendly practices to minimise physical damage. "As part of a broader effort to protect Semporna's reefs, RCM is actively promoting the Green Fins programme — a globally recognised initiative that supports the marine tourism industry in adopting environmentally sustainable practices. "These include proper waste management, avoiding anchor use, and educating guests on responsible reef operators play a critical role in reef conservation," he said.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Four Semporna dive operators earn Green Fins eco certification
SEMPORNA: Four dive operators here have been certified under the Green Fins programme, which promotes eco-friendly tourism in marine areas. The certification, carried out by Reef Check Malaysia and Sabah Parks, helps operators reduce their impact on coral reefs and marine life. This includes avoiding anchoring on reefs, managing waste properly, and educating tourists on reef protection. Green Fins, led by the UN Environment Programme, requires operators to undergo yearly assessments and training to improve their environmental practices. Reef Check Malaysia programme chief Alvin Chelliah said tourism is a major economic driver in Semporna. "But if it's not managed sustainably, it could have severe long-term consequences on our marine environment. "The Green Fins programme offers an opportunity for dive operators to play an active role in reducing their environmental footprint while continuing to benefit from tourism," he said in a statement. The newly-certified Green Fins members in Semporna are Scuba Junkie, Buwan Dive Resort, Bigfin Divers, and Aquaman Semporna. As part of the programme's capacity-building efforts, Reef Check Malaysia recently trained four new Green Fins assessors in Sabah, including Adzmin Fatta, who is based in Semporna. "Becoming a Green Fins assessor has deepened my understanding of sustainable tourism and the actions tour operators can take to protect our reefs. "I'm excited to support more assessments and collaborate with dive operators in Semporna," said Adzmin Fatta. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Tourism Project by Reef Check Malaysia, supported by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Ministry, MetLife Foundation, and Sabah Parks.
