Annual Reef Check Surveys

Here is a quick recap of the surveys we conducted in the last quarter around Sabah: 

• In April, our RCM colleagues and a volunteer conducted the surveys at 12 sites around Mantanani Island. 2 fish bomb explosions were heard during the survey. Our observations show that several sites has significant damage to the reefs likely caused by the coral bleaching episode in 2024 and past fish bombing activities.
• In early May, we completed the survey in Usukan Bay, in collaboration with Usukan Cove Lodge. Based on our observations, there has been an overall reduction in live coral cover, likely due to last year’s coral bleaching event compounded by heavy sedimentation from the Pan Borneo Highway construction.
• In June, RCM and Sabah Parks completed the annual Reef Check surveys in Pulau Tiga Park.

Divers surfacing after the annual RC survey in Usukan Bay

KOTA KINABALU

As we’re expanding our Green Fins efforts in Sabah, we completed the Green Fins Assessor Training for four participants – three from Reef Check Malaysia and one from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Upon completion of their Assessor Training programme, our new trainers conducted assessment of three dive operators around Sabah, including Bigfin Divers in Kota Belud which successfully achieved Silver Member certification.

We’re also proud to announce that 10 participants from the Tajau Laut community in Kudat successfully completed the Eco-Friendly Snorkelling Guide (EFSG) training programme.  The training included an Emergency First Response (EFR) module and basic water rescue skills, which will assist the participants in providing safer and responsible snorkelling experiences to support local ecotourism.

A CFR practical session by an EFR trainer

MANTANANI ISLAND

In April, 11 participants from Mantanani Island, including Diana (our colleague based on the island) completed their EFSG training. Most of them are homestay operators who occasionally offer snorkelling guide services and were renewing their annual EFSG licenses. 10 homestay operators were also involved in the homestay evaluation, during which we used the ASEAN Homestay Standard guidelines. The assessment aims to encourage the operators to provide better and more meaningful services for their guests.

Our monthly education programme on the island has been progressing well. In May, we selected 10 students for a snorkelling activity that exposed them to the marine environment. In June, we conducted a recycling programme which involved all students and teachers from the local school, including parents of the students. 15 students participated in a mini competition to create outfits from recyclable materials.

Students with their outfits made from recyclables

SEMPORNA

TRCM and the Semporna Marine Conservation Group (SMCG), with funding from EXO Foundation, introduced a comprehensive waste management system in Selakan Island. This initiative addresses waste issues in the island by introducing a sustainable waste management system focused on education, community involvement, and long-term solutions. In partnership with Sabah Parks, KePKAS, and the Sabah Islands Partnership, the programme aims to reduce pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and promote environmental responsibility. Key programme components include awareness sessions, waste sorting infrastructure, coordinated disposal efforts, and youth involvement in conservation. The project supports healthier communities and sustainable tourism in Selakan and nearby islands, while serving as a model for other island communities in Sabah.

Four members of the SMCG recently completed their Rescue Diver certification. This training enhances participants’ skills in underwater emergency response, diver support, and safety, strengthening local capacity for marine conservation and ensuring safer reef monitoring and environmental activities in Semporna. Meanwhile, 19 participants completed their Eco-Friendly Snorkel Guide training in Semporna, under RCM’s Sustainable tourism programme. 

In April, RCM and members of our CMCGs collaborated with Semporna Aqua Planet in a Crown-of-Thorns control program to reduce damage cause to reef areas caused by these predators. A total of 559 COTs were removed from these high-density reef areas where COT outbreaks were previously recorded. In June, RCM and CMCGs divers once again collaborated with Semporna Aqua Planet to remove 981 Crown-of-Thorns (COTs) from Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu. During the operations, the team also removed three ghost nets, reducing threats to marine life and corals.

COTs removed from sites in Lahad Datu