Sarawak's Reef Relief
Article courtesy of The Sarawak Tribune
The bad news is that two-thirds of the earth's coral reef
are dying. It is estimated that 10 percent of the world's
reefs have already been degraded beyond recovery and a
much larger percentage is now threatened. The good
news, however, is that Sarawak has set a model for the
rest of Asia in planned and responsible marine
conservation by deploying Reef Balls, which will extend
and increase the existing coral and build new reefs, writes
Nikki Lugun.
They looked like something brought in from an alien planet but one description I feel best describes
Reef Balls, is a gigantic Swiss cheese in the shape of a football cut in half. Little did the marine
creatures and fishes below the surface of the sea know that this would be their new homes. It may look
like a concrete eyesore but it looks completely different to fishes.
These condo style living is devised especially for fish since
they naturally congregate around reefs for food and shelter.
In time to come, marine organisms and coral will encrust
and attach to these objects and they will be the source of
food for other marine creatures. In addition, they will serve
as "mines" to rip the nets of trawlers, which are probably
the largest culprit responsible for destroying marine life
especially turtles.
Man's activities and natural disasters have led to a reduction
in our natural reef systems. Recreationally, growth in sports
fishing, scuba diving and destructive style of commercial fishing has increased the pressures on these
systems. Commercially, our seafood industry is dependent on developing the ocean to enable even
larger, yet sustainable, harvests.
The loss of these natural systems, coupled with increased use, compels the Sarawak government to do
everything they can to save natural reefs. Even so, the natural reefs cannot rebuild themselves fast
enough to meet human demands. Long lasting artificial reefs are useful tools for restoring the reef
systems to a natural and productive balance.
Coral reefs are a rare feature in Sarawak due to its shallow sea shelf extending a long way into the
ocean. The reefs of Sarawak are limited to the areas off the shores of Bintulu, Miri and off shore islands
including the Talang-Satang region. There is a lack of rocky bottoms and the presence of many rivers on
the mainland cause the sea bed to have a clay bottom.
The Talang-Talang region situated off the coast of
Sematan is especially important as it is one of the most.....
