Thriving Fish, Coral Species Off Labuan Marine Parks

LABUAN, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Fish and coral species have been thriving in the waters off Kuraman, Rusukan Besar and Rusukan Kecil here, ever since the three islands were gazetted as marine parks in 1994. Labuan Marine Parks director Anuar Deraman said there are now a total of 176 fish species, most of which are categorised under commercial marine species, and 161 coral species. "A large proportion of marine life exists in the waters off these marine parks. Prior to being gazetted, they were not well protected," he told Bernama here, Tuesday. He said the marine parks have also become the migration routes of diverse iconic marine organism species including whale shark, dolphins, pelagic fish, Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and Green turtle (Chelonia Mydas). Meanwhile, the condition of the coral reef sites off the marine parks are classified as good and moderate, according to Anuar. “We have anchored at least 20 artificial reefs in 2009 to conserve and restore the damaged coral reefs caused by illegal fishing previously," he said. He said the department had also initiated more than 20 education and awareness programmes on marine resources conservation. -- BERNAMA