Executive Summary:
1. This report presents data from coral reef surveys conducted in Malaysia during 2020 using the Reef Check survey protocol. Reef Check is a coral reef monitoring methodology used to assess the health of coral reefs in over 95 countries and territories worldwide, and in Malaysia since 2001.
2. A total of 201 sites were surveyed in 2020 (2019: 180): 84 in Sunda Shelf eco–region; 15 in Malacca Strait eco-region; and 102 in North Borneo eco-region. The surveys are a continuation of a successful National Reef Check Survey Programme that has now run for fourteen years.
3. The surveys were carried out by trained volunteers as well as government officials from Marine Parks Malaysia and Sabah Parks, reflecting commitment from the Government in further improving management of Malaysia’s coral reefs. Surveys were carried out on several islands, covering both established Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and non-protected areas.
4. The results indicate that, on average, the Malaysian coral reefs surveyed have fair level of living coral, at 41.32%. While the average masks a wide range, the average data continue to show a slow decline in average coral reef health since 2015.
5. Abundance of most indicator fish and invertebrates remains low. Historical over-harvesting and low natural populations might be the reason for this, but many of the sites surveyed, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, are in marine protected areas, where protection might be expected to encourage populations to grow.
6. Indicators of disturbance and pollution have increased in many reef areas. These result from human activities and there is a need to address these local impacts to protect reefs from development and tourism.
7. The report recommends taking action to improve management of marine resources by addressing local impacts and introducing participatory management. This gives local stakeholders a stronger voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods, and significant literature exists to suggest that this can lead to improved conservation outcomes.
8. Particular emphasis is given to building resilience – both ecological and economic. Resilient reefs are more likely to withstand or bounce back from the growing threats of climate change. Resilient communities have diversified economies and do not rely entirely on coral reefs for their livelihoods. This reduces human pressures on reefs, particularly from tourism.
9. The government is asked to consider introducing a more sustainable tourism model, moving away from the “mass” tourism model of the last 20-30 years. There is an opportunity to establish a more environmentally friendly tourism industry while “building back better” in the aftermath of the covid pandemic. Tourism trends suggest tourists are looking for a different experience – more authentic, less crowded. Developing high value, low volume destinations will allow local communities to maintain the livelihoods while dramatically reducing pressure on ecosystems.
