Divers, locals restore seagrass off Sabah island to protect marine life

 By Olivia Miwil - March 2, 2025 @ 12:29pm

A group of divers planting seagrass off Bohayan island here in conjunction with World Seagrass Day yesterday. - Pic courtesy of JETAMA

SEMPORNA: A group of divers and local community members have embarked on a seagrass restoration project off Bohayan Island to protect and enhance the marine ecosystem.

Led by Sabah's water concessionaire Jetama Sdn Bhd, the initiative was carried out in phases in collaboration with the Semporna Tourism Association, Dive Master Association, and other stakeholders.

Yesterday, in conjunction with World Seagrass Day, the team successfully transplanted seagrass across approximately 84 sq metres to restore degraded areas and support marine biodiversity.

The effort also aims to rehabilitate barren seagrass meadows that have suffered decline due to coastal development, pollution, and overfishing.

Jetama chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang said the planting initiative aligns with the Sabah State Government's commitment to preserving the blue carbon ecosystem, as outlined in the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.

"This project builds on the Jetama Seagrass Planting Programme, which was previously conducted on Sepanggar Island in September last year.

Jetama remains committed to promoting environmental conservation through seagrass restoration projects, ensuring benefits not only for the tourism industry and maritime communities but also contributing to global efforts in reducing carbon dioxide levels and maintaining marine ecosystem balance."

Ahmad Naim added that the project focused on three native seagrass species found in Malaysian waters: Enhalus acoroides, Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii.

"These species were already present in the area, and we are transplanting them from other locations to help rejuvenate the ecosystem.

"By restoring these degraded patches, we can conserve the habitat without disrupting the ecosystem by introducing non-native species. This site is also a critical feeding ground for sea turtles.

"Monitoring is essential to determine whether the transplanted seagrass successfully adapts to the new habitat. If the roots manage to anchor in the seabed, then we consider the effort a success," he added.

Seagrass plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, with a greater capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests. It also supports marine biodiversity by filtering seawater and preventing coastal erosion.