Central and regional governments in Malaysia recognize the importance attached to conserving their natural resources, not just in light of increasing revenue gained through reef-based tourism but also as a sustainable livelihood for subsistence fishers and the commercial fishing industry. Coral reef fisheries in recent years have been estimated to contribute approximately 25% of total annual marine fish production in Malaysia. In Sabah six marine parks have been established all of which have no take zones, these are:
- The Pulau Tiga Marine Park, a beautiful island between Labuan to the south and Kota Kinabalu.
- The Tunuk Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located adjacent to Kota Kinabalu.
- Turtle Islands Marine Park, a group of islands seaward of Sandakan renowned for their year round turtle nesting.
- Tun Sakaran Marine Park, encompassing many islands off Semporna.
- The Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), including the notorious resort and diving destination, Lankayan.
- Sipadan Island, the infamous diving destination.
Continue reading Diving (Part 3) - Conservation and the state of reefs in Sabah.
