Reef Check Malaysia has released its 2024 Annual Survey Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s coral reef health. The report is based on data collected from 315 sites across Malaysia’s three eco-regions: Sunda Shelf, Malacca Strait, and North Borneo.

Key Findings:

• Live Coral Cover: The average live coral cover was recorded at 44.65%, categorized as “fair.” This represents a marginal decline from the 45.87% reported in 2023. Factors contributing to this decrease include unsustainable tourism, pollution, fishing activities, and the significant impact of the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event, which affected nearly 90% of the surveyed areas. Further assessments in 2025 are planned to evaluate the full extent of bleaching-related mortality and potential recovery.

• Indicator Species: Populations of key indicator fish and invertebrates remain low. Historical overfishing and naturally low populations may be contributing factors. Notably, many surveyed sites, especially within the Sunda Shelf region, are located in marine protected areas where higher populations might be expected.

• Disturbance Indicators: Approximately 83% of the surveyed areas are heavily impacted by discarded fishing nets and trash, while 56% have suffered damage from boat anchors. In Sabah, 64% of reefs showed evidence of damage from dynamite fishing. These human-induced disturbances highlight the urgent need for improved local management practices.

Recommendations:

The report emphasises the importance of enhancing marine resource management by addressing local impacts and empowering local communities in decision-making processes. Building both ecological and economic resilience is crucial; resilient reefs are better equipped to withstand climate change threats, and diversified local economies can reduce human pressures on these ecosystems. The report also advocates for a shift from mass tourism to more sustainable tourism models to mitigate environmental impacts.

Reef Check Malaysia’s ongoing monitoring and community engagement efforts are vital for the conservation of the country’s coral reefs. The full 2024 Annual Survey Report is available for further details.