Mooring Buoys Installation
Five mooring buoys were installed at Pulau Harimau, Pulau Hujung, and Pulau Besar in collaboration with the Mersing District Council, FS Marine Boat Service and snorkelling operators. The installation of these mooring buoys helps prevent anchor usage, which can damage marine ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass. Installed mooring buoys provide a secure way for operators to moor their boats while carrying out activities. A single buoy can accommodate multiple boats at once, reducing the environmental damage caused by frequent anchoring.
Snorkelling operators assisting in installation of mooring buoys
Mersing Young Scientists Program
In February, RCM, in collaboration with UKM’s Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) and supported by the Mersing District Council, successfully hosted a marine science awareness programme for 20 local youths.
Participants engaged in three hands-on activities: marine debris analysis, microplastic studies, and plankton observation under microscopes for species identification. The program aimed at raising awareness about the reality of plastic pollution, as well as fostering curiosity and encouraging the development of research potential in marine science.
Participants observing plankton under a microscope
Participants separating microplastic from sand using a sieve in the EKOMAR Laboratory
community consultation sessions
Our colleagues carried out several consultation sessions with the local community from a few island. These sessions are a continuous effort to gather feedback from island stakeholders on RCM’s conservation initiatives in Mersing. Our team discussed topics such as community recycling efforts, past training programs and future training needs for the community.
The team has received positive feedback on the ongoing recycling program in Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Aur. Community feedback and comments to improve the program were recorded to improve implementation and encourage better community participation.
Consultation with a few Pulau Tinggi community members