A diving expedition off Kota Kinabalu’s coast opens Olivia Miwil’s eyes to what conservation work is all about
IT’S a good day to dive. Calm sea, warm water temperature and good visibility.
My dive buddies and I are ready to descend for our dive at the jetty of the Marine Ecology Research Centre at Gayana Island, located just 6.5km from Kota Kinabalu’s coast.
We are here for the centre’s “A day as marine biologist” package that has promised to give us better insights into what conservation work is really about.
But just before we hit the water, centre ambassador Lizio Godfrey Mosigil briefs us on our task as guest marine biologists for the day.
He says our group will follow the marine biologists to collect coral fragments and attach them to a Biorock and a hanging structure, as well as cleaning the coral cement base at the underwater nursery.
The Biorock, also known as Seacreteor Seamentis the first in Malaysia. The system, which is from the US, uses mild electricity to accelerate the accretion of calcium carbonate that promotes faster growth of the corals.
Another task is to tie those fragments on the hanging structure as if putting ornaments on a Christmas tree. We are told by the researchers that the method will reduce predators attaching to the fragment and retard its growth.
After a safety briefing from a dive master, we take our giant strides from the jetty to begin our conservation work.
DOWN UNDER
Despite all the good factors, it takes me quite some time to tie the coral fragment using cable ties to the Biorock and to tie knots using polyethylene rope for the hanging structure. But with assistance from the researchers, the process is getting easier as we progress.
Our next quest is to brush off algae which have been continuously growing around the coral cement base at the nursery.
But what is work without some fun? We get our break when one of the marine biologists opens up a treasure chest that is filled with baby giant clams.
This is on top of the colorful giant clams we see in the vicinity. And among them are clams aged almost 100 years old!
In fact, the centre holds the Malaysian Book of Records fo rsuccessfully propagating seven species of giant clams which are important as natural filters for the ocean.
It is crucial to have good buoyancy control to prevent us from kicking the hardwork for precious corals and giant clams, as well as other marine life.
MORE WORKS
We learn that conservation work does not just end with planting corals. It also involves transferring them into the nursery bed, routine check-up, updating growth of adopted corals and cleaning them. The process is the same for the giant clams.
The area is living proof of the massive destruction caused by rampant fish bombing that has been going on for decades.
As we dive along the reef, there are still many rubble comprised of broken corals with a slim chance of being revived.
Lizio says the centre, which was established in 2007, used to have a coral garden. But, that one too vanished due to red tide phenomenon.
He admits that it is impossible for the resort group to restore the whole bay but they are not giving up yet.
“Marine conservation is similar to trying to save the orang utan, Bornean pygmy elephants and rhinoceros.
“But do they stop? No. It is because they believe they are doing the right thing,” he says, adding that conservation efforts should be continuous.
PLANT AND ADOPT
Besides the conservation works, the centre is also educating and encouraging its patrons to take part in planting corals and adopting them at RM120 per year.
“When they return home, the people will share their knowledge on marine conservation, especially on the concept of ‘what is in the ocean now will not last forever’.
“Our resort is now in its second year of engaging guests to be part of a monthlong free-plastic campaign where they are encouraged to use stainless steel tumblers and to avoid single-use plastic,” he says.
Lizio adds that plastic has become the global culprit that causes sea pollution, the death of other marine life and, eventually, human health in long term.
The dive trip has helped us understand about marine life not only through the hands-on experience but the scientific explanation from its in-house biologists as well.
TRAVEL FILE
“A Day As Marine Biologist”
Packages 1. CORAL ON THE MOVE (For certified divers)
This programme involves transferring replanted coral fragments from the stabilising tank to the underwater tables in the Coral Garden. While underwater, participants will monitor the growth rates of adopted corals and take pictures. Reef monitoring is also taught and participants will be harvesting drupella snails and cleaning coral plates.
PAY RM455 nett per person
DURATION 3 hours
2. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL CORALS (For certified divers)
Participants will collect coral fragments in the sea and attach them to a Biorock structure, one of the artificial reefs in the area which utilises mild electricity to accelerate the accretion of calcium carbonate and promote faster growth of the corals. Participants will also perform reef monitoring of the Biorock while documenting work in both visual and written form. Removal of drupella snails will also be conducted.
PAY RM455 nett per person
DURATION 3 hours
3. GREEN WATER FOR “GREENIES”
Phytoplankton or commonly referred to as green water, is important as food for many young marine animals, including giant clams. This package highlights the importance and production of phytoplankton to the public.
PAY RM306 nett per person
DURATION 2 hours
4. LITTLE ADAMB (7 to 12 years old)
Discover how to culture phytoplankton, prepare food for MERC’s exhibits and replant coral by signing up now. This package is applicable to children aged 7 to 12 years old.
PAY RM306 nett per person
DURATION 2 hours
MARINE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE
Gaya Island, Malohom Bay, Sabah.
TEL 088-435 661
WEBSITE https://echoresorts.com/merc/
PICTURES COURTESY FROM MARINE ECOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE
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