Peninsular Malaysia Seas Programme
The Peninsular Malaysia Seas programme focuses on sustainable fisheries and the remaining green and hawksbill turtle populations, and restoring fisheries and their related ecosystems in the Strait of Melaka and east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Turtle activities focus on green turtles in Terengganu state, along with the world’s last viable population of painted terrapins. Hawksbill turtle activities are concentrated in Melaka state
The seas surrounding Peninsular Malaysia are rich with biodiversity, productive and are among the most bio-diverse known globally (Olson and Dinerstein 2002, Briggs 1999). They support some of the richest marine habitats in the world, including coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses. Endangered species such as marine turtles, painted terrapins (Batagur borneoensis) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) depend upon these waters and habitats. The fisheries of the Strait of Melaka and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia’s South China Sea support a rich fishing industry that produces more than 70% of Malaysia’s marine fish landings.
These seas are presently threatened. Demersal fish biomass has declined by as much as 90% in some parts since 1971 (Williams et al 2002, Taupek and Nasir 2003). Mangroves and other habitats have been cleared for aquaculture and reclamation projects. Oil and gas production and shipping threaten the habitats with the specter of pollution. Turtle populations are declining almost everywhere due to loss of habitats, by-catch and egg consumption (Chan 2006). More than 40 islands in 5 marine parks protect Peninsular Malaysia’s island-fringing coral reefs; however this represents less than 1% of Peninsular Malaysia’s seas.
Specific strategies to be employed in Peninsular Malaysia Seas include:
The seas surrounding Peninsular Malaysia are rich with biodiversity, productive and are among the most bio-diverse known globally (Olson and Dinerstein 2002, Briggs 1999). They support some of the richest marine habitats in the world, including coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses. Endangered species such as marine turtles, painted terrapins (Batagur borneoensis) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) depend upon these waters and habitats. The fisheries of the Strait of Melaka and the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia’s South China Sea support a rich fishing industry that produces more than 70% of Malaysia’s marine fish landings.
These seas are presently threatened. Demersal fish biomass has declined by as much as 90% in some parts since 1971 (Williams et al 2002, Taupek and Nasir 2003). Mangroves and other habitats have been cleared for aquaculture and reclamation projects. Oil and gas production and shipping threaten the habitats with the specter of pollution. Turtle populations are declining almost everywhere due to loss of habitats, by-catch and egg consumption (Chan 2006). More than 40 islands in 5 marine parks protect Peninsular Malaysia’s island-fringing coral reefs; however this represents less than 1% of Peninsular Malaysia’s seas.
Specific strategies to be employed in Peninsular Malaysia Seas include:
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Developing guidelines to mitigate impacts of coastal development and lobbying for environmental friendly coastal development at state and national levels
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Reducing turtle and terrapin egg consumption and trade
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Promoting turtle and terrapin friendly fishing gear
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Promoting responsible turtle-based tourism
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Promoting Best Hatchery Management Practices
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Promoting Ecosystem-based Management for Fisheries (EBMF)
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Reducing demands on unsustainable seafood
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Designating mangroves as fish nursery grounds
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Promoting sustainable aquaculture
Peninsular Malaysia Seas programme
