Our coral reefs provide marine animals with shelter and food. Reefs are vital for people too – they protect coastlines by reducing the impact of storms and waves, which can cause destruction and land erosion, as well as provide food and livelihoods to coastal communities. As fish nurseries, coral reefs play a vital role in sustaining our fisheries industry, as well as serving as an ecotourism attraction, contributing to Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Fish Bombings

The escalating threat of fish bombings is a harsh reality in Sabah, with multiple incidents reported each year. These cases are disastrous, leaving a permanent scar on the local marine ecosystem and endangering human lives. In March 2020, a 16-year-old boy tragically lost his life due to a fish bombing explosion. In another heartbreaking incident in July 2019, three divers met their untimely demise due to a fish bomb blast.

The fish bomb, made from everyday items like kerosene, nitrate fertilisers, and a handmade fuse in a glass bottle, has the power to wipe out coral reefs and the vibrant fish communities living within. The aftermath of fish bombing is not just alarming; it's heartbreaking:  

Photo 1: Composited photo to show the before and after of a fish bombing incident 
© Eric Madeja / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 2: Bombs in the form of kerosene, nitrate fertilisers, with handmade fuses.
© Kee Alfian / WWF-Malaysia
 

In addition, rising sea temperatures are turning coral reefs into ghostly white specters. In 2021, divers from WWF-Malaysia, Sabah Parks, Banggi Coral Conservation Society, and Kudat Turtle Conservation Society conducted Reef Check surveys. The results were disheartening - live coral cover comprised only 5.8% excellent, with 44.2% in good condition, 44.2% in fair condition, and 5.8% in poor condition.

Graph 1: Live coral cover in Tun Mustapha Park, 2021.
© Marine Programme / WWF-Malaysia

Restoring Coral Reefs

In 2022, the EU-GOPA Ocean Governance Project united various stakeholders for a coral restoration project in TMP. Over 100 people were directly involved. Coral fragments were carefully processed and placed on frames, aptly named ‘Reef Stars’. These frames were then submerged underwater to rehabilitate the reefs. 

Graphic 1: Locations of coral restoration sites with Reef Stars in TMP
© Marine Programme / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 4: Harvested coral fragments
© Addin Mazni / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 5: Members from coastal communities and civil societies processing coral fragments onto a Reef Star frame
© Marine Programme / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 6: Divers transporting Reef Stars underwater
© Addin Mazni / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 7: Building the web using Reef Stars
© Addin Mazni / WWF-Malaysia

Photo 8: 300 units of Reef Stars deployed at Pitas Coral Bar 
© Addin Mazni / WWF-Malaysia

As of 2024:

• Approximately 2,122 square meters of degraded reef area near Maliangin Kecil Island and Pitas were revitalised with 1620 units of Reef Stars, restoring 22,500 coral fragments from over 30 species.

• Thanks to Reef Stars, fish populations are rebounding. After 6 months, there was a remarkable 9.9% increase in live coral cover and a 20-fold increase in total fish biomass.

Graphic 2: TMP Reef Star coral restoration project in a glance
© Marine Programme / WWF-Malaysia

Your generous and meaningful donation will enable WWF-Malaysia to step up our coral reef conservation efforts, which include:

• Restoring coral reefs with ‘Reef Stars’

• Monitoring ‘Reef Stars’ to ensure they are growing well as well as removing and replacing ‘Reef Stars’ that fail to thrive

• Empower coastal community members to participate in coral restoration and maintenance efforts