Malaysia has closed several of its world-famous diving sites including those surrounding the tropical islands of Tioman and Redang because authorities claim the coral is being killed off by global warming.

Twelve reefs that attract half a million tourists from around the world annually are now closed to divers and snorkellers until the end of October to allow the corals to recover from bleaching caused by warmer seas.

Up to 90 per cent of the coral has started to turn white meaning it is dying off, threatening the delicate ecosystem.

“We expect [the corals] to recover or at least improve.” Mr Abdul Jamal said The Department of Marine Parks claimed the damaged coral was solely the result of rising sea temperatures and not tourism activities.

However, Mr Abdul Jamal explained that by banning diving, the coral will be given time to regenerate naturally.

Three more locations in the Marine park have now been closed to diving so as to try and help the coral recover from bleaching.

Divers have been advised to stay clear of Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Che Isa and Pulau Tanjung Lebah until early next year. Although these reefs are closed divers still have more than 20 other known diving spotsto explore.

Shaun

Hmmm, not fully convinced that the reef status is not through over-diving....similar problems occured at Pulau Sipadan off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo a few years back (compounded when concrete rings for a new resort devlopment were dragged across the reefs) They then brought in licences to restrict the number of divers and apparently that was stepped up further this year with a total ban on snorkellers to reduce activity in water further!

If the ministers think a ban until October will be enough time for recovery of the reefs they are deluded. They need to bring in a licence system to reduce the number of divers!

I love Malaysia, but it frustrates me that they often go for the short term solution with a lot of things rather than looking at the bigger picture. They are improving with the rise in eco-tourism, and hopefully its not too little too late!

Hi Simon

I agree the reefs will take longer to recover and some may never do so.

Its just seen as a simple solution for the authorities to get the marine conservationists off their backs for a while and makes them look good. But I suppose at least something is being done better late than never.

Closer monitoring needs to be done and who better than divers to do it maybe there should be a local governent site where those of us who take pictures underwater can send our pics of the reefs so it can be better monitored. 

Shaun