Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

Following the dive certification training for Larapan and Mantanani youths, they are now trained and certified as EcoDiver. EcoDiver is diver volunteers who help Reef Check to collect data necessary to assess the health of coral reefs for coral reef management and conservation. The survey data is used to identify threats and solutions to protect the reefs. A certified EcoDiver can participate in any Reef Check surveys within the region he or she is certified in.

Simultaneously, in other places, we have trained and certified 3 EcoDiver trainers. These 3 trainers used to be our EcoDiver volunteers, helping us with Reef Check surveys around Malaysia. With the trainer certification, they are now able to train EcoDiver and spread reef awareness to their divers. 

Over the last 2 months, Open Water (OW) and Advanced Open Water (AOW) courses were given to youths from Larapan and Mabul islands. The OW course was participated by 15 youths from Larapan Island and 10 youths from Mabul Island while the AOW course was participated by 5 youths from Mabul Island. These trainings were part of the one-year Marine Conservation Training for youths on the two islands. Upon certification, they will be equipped with other skills such as coral reef surveys, crown-of-thorns removal, mooring line installation and ghost nets removal, to name a few. With these skills, they will be able to join reef managers in managing and conserving their reefs.