By Olivia Miwil - July 28, 2021 @ 11:54am
KOTA KINABALU: Following movement restrictions due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park underwater ecosystem has seen numerous changes, while endangered species have also been spotted there.
Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures managing director Richard Swann said he had personally researched and taken pictures of several sightings of interest at the marine park.
"Downbelow Padi dive centre is a company based in the TAR Marine Park where we occasionally encounter unusual creatures of interest.
"We sometimes obtain images and are happy to share our findings with Sabah Parks to benefit conservation and the positive image of the park," said Swann who is also a Padi platinum course director.
Among them include the spotted eagle ray, which is an endangered and threatened species, which was a very rare occurrence at the park.
The marine park named after the first Prime Minister covers five islands — Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug and celebrated its 47th anniversary on July 25.
Since the first Movement Control Order (MCO) last year, Swann had found the regularity of a school of four to five rays usually adjacent or on top of the reefs between Gaya and Manukan Islands.
"This species of ray is very noise sensitive, so I suspect the silence during the lockdown and the reduction in visitors and boat traffic is why we see them more now."
On May 23, Swann sighted a 1.7-metre long giant grouper on West Gaya Island at 20 metres depth which is another endangered and internationally protected species.
He said the species was rarely seen and it was particularly unusual to witness it passing over the reef as they would normally hide inside a hole or cavern.
"They are especially vulnerable when spawning as they congregate in numbers.
"Their inquisitive nature makes them easy to be approached, so they are often targeted by spear fishermen," he said, adding the sinking of the decommissioned KM Kuraman in 2016 has served as a perfect home for the species.
He added that the increasing number of Chlorurus microrhinos steephead parrotfish population also meant the reef ecosystem around the park is healthy and getting denser.
Meanwhile, orange ball pseudocorynactis which are commonly found hidden away under rocks and ledges are actively hunting and consuming the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTs).
"I think due to the COT population explosion in recent months they are particularly active here."
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