A ‘giant’ case for marine conservation
Published on: Sunday, August 11, 2024
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Spectacular giant clam rooted in the sea bed off Merc.
That itself justifies good reason why any marine conservation campaign is worthy of support.
The ecological importance of giant clams are well known. Giant clams are filter feeders.
As they feed, they move water in and out of a large central opening.
This very act of feeding filters planktons, micro-organisms, detritus and in doing so, they improve water quality by reducing sediments loads, turbidity, reducing excess nutrients from inshore coastal waters.
In great numbers, giant clams in reefs promote coral and beneficial algae growth through improved water clarity which allows more sunlight to penetrate thus helps the growth of important seagrasses and oxygen.
Giant clam cleaning.
These salient ecological benefits reinforce the case for conservation.
So worthy of note is a two-month long July-August Marine Awareness campaign dedicated to marine conservation mounted by Echo Resorts.
Six weeks into the campaign, organisers reported ‘remarkable progress’ and decided to share it with the public.
The initiative, which began in July has seen widespread participation and support, significantly impacting the preservation and protection of marine environments, they said.
Durng this campaign, every resort guest is offered a chance to plant and coral each, if they don’t do it personally, resort staff will do it on their behalf.
Gillian Tan, General Manager of Bungaraya Island Resort and owner’s representative of Echo Resorts, voiced her gratitude and excitement:
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response and support for Marine Awareness Month,” she said.
Gillian Tan
“It’s heartening to see so many guests, industry partners, and local communities come together to contribute to marine conservation.
“The active participation in our coral planting, beach clean-ups, and educational programs underscores the growing commitment to protecting our marine ecosystems,” Gillian said.
Over the past six weeks, more than 10 beach clean-ups, with enthusiastic participation from guests and local communities.
Notable collaborations include clean-ups with Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Discover Muay Thai Sabah participants, and Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.
These efforts were deemed crucial in maintaining the beauty and health of Sabah’s coastal areas.
Multiple underwater clean-ups attracted significant participation, including contributions from Padi Ambassadiver Baki Zainal and Padi living legend Clement Lee.
These clean-ups have been instrumental in removing debris from the reefs, creating a cleaner and healthier marine environment.
Guests have eagerly volunteered at the Marine Ecology Research Centre (Merc), engaging in activities such as cleaning coral, measuring clams, and cultivating plankton.
A scenic divers’ haven.
Every guest offered chance to plant a coral.
This hands-on involvement has allowed guests to contribute directly to conservation efforts, enhancing their travel experience with meaningful activities.
Students from SK Pulau Gaya visited Merc, enjoying a fun and educational day learning about marine conservation and planting corals.
These visits aim to inspire young minds and foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the marine environment.
The conservation message has resonated strongly with divers, who have not only enjoyed exploring the reefs but have also taken proactive steps to protect them.
Divers have been seen practicing safe diving techniques, picking up debris during dives, and continuously asking how they can further contribute to our conservation efforts.
Marine Awareness Month is a joint collaboration between Gayana Dive Centre, Merc, and Echo Resorts.
The support from industry leaders across Sabah, including travel agents and tour operators, has been invaluable.
Their efforts in spreading awareness and encouraging participation have greatly amplified the campaign’s impact.
Highlighting the post-pandemic shift in travel preferences, Gillian said: “We’re touched by the shift we’re seeing in our guests."
People now want to travel with purpose, knowing that their money is going towards a good cause.
We’ve had guests volunteer their free time during vacations to engage in marine conservation work, making it a lifestyle choice that they carry home with them.
“As we have moved well into the second month of Marine Awareness Month, Echo Resorts remains committed to ongoing conservation efforts, encouraging everyone to participate and make a difference. Marine conservation is a continuous endeavor, and together, we can ensure the health and longevity of our precious marine ecosystems,” she said.
Marine Ecology Research Centre (Merc) which pioneered the Giant Clam project in 2007, serves as the catalyst for the establishment of Echo Resorts.
Merc-recognised by the Asean Biodiversity Centre–has achieved significant milestones, where it has successfully and effectively propagated, nurtured, and reintroduced seven distinct species of Giant Clams into Malaysian waters with strategic collaborations of local universities and experts.
These efforts have been recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records in 2010. Merc continues to provide guests with the unique opportunity to actively engage in marine conservation initiatives and contribute to the propagation of coral ecosystems.
Recently, Merc completed the installation and commissioning of the Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structure and Calcification Accretion Units in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia to monitor the health and biodiversity of coral reefs and seawater.
Gayana Dive Centre, nestled within the picturesque Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park on Gaya Island, offers an unparalleled diving experience that blends adventure with conservation.
As a key initiative of Echo Resorts, the dive centre is dedicated to promoting marine conservation through its unique approach where all proceeds support the Marine Ecology Research Centre (Merc).
Divers from around the world can explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life including seasonal whale shark migrations and elusive nudibranchs, and participate in conservation efforts such as giant clam propagation.
A spectacular crowd of sponge corals off Gaya Island, which also act as water filters that strip out bacteria from water as they feed, return phosphates and nitrate consumed by them. (Pic: Clement Lee)
The Gayana Dive Centre stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving the underwater world, providing both novice and experienced divers with unforgettable encounters while fostering a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems.
Each of Echo Resorts’ properties are designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
Gayana Marine Resort’s spectacular backdrop of virgin jungle, lush mangroves and sea encourages visitors to safeguard and revitalize the island’s invaluable marine environment.
The Bungaraya Island Resort is an exquisite showcase of harmony between human architecture and lush nature, including home to the most species of hibiscus in our country, epitomizes coexistence.
Borneo Eagle Resort’s pristine surroundings and unexploited beauty, complemented by natural volcanic mud pools and magnificent coral reefs, represents nature’s majesty.
Echo Resorts invites travellers from around the world to participate in Marine Awareness Month, experience the beauty of Sabah’s marine ecosystems, and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.
This campaign highlights the resort’s dedication to environmental preservation, offering guests a luxurious and eco-conscious retreat.
To date, Marine Awareness Month has organised multiple beach cleans and multiple underwater Reef cleans with active participation from international travellers, Resort staff and various industry partners.
A total of 2.65 tonnes of discarded plastic waste has been collected and disposed correctly.
For details, email [email protected] or call 0138606330.
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