A diver removing a Crown-of-Thorns starfish at Bakungan Island in Semporna.
SEMPORNA (June 7): Reef Check Malaysia (RCM), in collaboration with Semporna Aqua Planet and local Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs), has successfully removed 869 Crown-of-Thorns (COT) starfish from the reefs around Bakungan Island in a coordinated emergency reef response.
The rapid-response operation was led by RCM staff and trained community members from four islands: Selakan, Larapan, Kulapuan and Pemimpin Belia IKLIM Mabul. The intervention follows a surge in COT outbreaks across Semporna and neighbouring Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu. The coral-eating starfish are known to severely damage reef ecosystems if not promptly managed.
“Outbreaks like this are extremely destructive to reef ecosystems,” said Adzmin Fatta, Programme Manager for Reef Check Malaysia in Semporna.
“The scale and frequency of recent reports are deeply concerning. That’s why we’re mobilising more trained community teams to respond swiftly to new hotspots.”
Crown-of-Thorns starfish is a coral-eating species known to devastate coral ecosystems.
RCM also reported ongoing damage from boats anchoring directly on live coral near Timba-Timba Island. With limited enforcement resources, RCM is urging all diving and snorkelling operators to adopt reef-friendly practices immediately.
As part of its broader conservation efforts, RCM is promoting the Green Fins programme — a globally recognised initiative that supports the marine tourism industry in adopting sustainable environmental practices. These include proper waste management, avoiding anchor use, and educating tourists on responsible reef behaviour.
“Tour operators play a critical role in reef conservation. By following Green Fins guidelines, they can reduce their ecological footprint and help preserve Semporna’s marine heritage for future generations,” Adzmin said.
In a positive development, Makatagih Travel & Tours has become the first snorkelling tour operator in Semporna to be assessed and officially join the Green Fins network.
While most current members in Malaysia are dive operators, RCM is now expanding assessments to include snorkelling operators, whose activities are more frequent and pose higher cumulative risks to reef ecosystems.
“Our reefs are under increasing pressure — from biological threats like COTs to human impacts from tourism. Now more than ever, urgent and collective action is needed to protect what remains of these vital ecosystems,” said Adzmin.
RCM is calling on the public, tourism industry stakeholders, and government agencies to unite in supporting reef protection efforts and safeguarding the long-term health of Semporna’s marine environment.
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