KOTA BELUD: The diving fraternity here is hoping coral reefs around the Mantanani Islands will be better protected and promoted by the authorities.
Local divers were shocked recently when they heard the loud blasts of fish bombs detonating during a scuba-diving jaunt off the island.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah marine science student Shamil Arif said it was his first time diving at Mantanani with friends since the Movement Control Order (MCO).
"Our first dive at 11am started off with an amazing view of the vibrant coral reefs. The visibility was excellent, there were lots of corals and I could see small fishes hiding and feeding among the crevices.
"Without a doubt, that was the best 50-minute dive I have ever experienced. However, soon after, we heard several loud fish bombs going off while we were still underwater," he said, adding that it was a very terrifying experience as fish bombs could also kill divers.
Michelle Wong, who works with local dive operator Mantanani Divers, added that apart from the frequent fish bombings, divers have seen numerous ghost nets at several dive sites.
"Earlier this month, we organised an underwater dive clean up at Mantanani. Aside from being a means of attracting local divers, the activity was conducted in conjunction with World Oceans Day to raise awareness of the threats to the ecosystem.
"Sadly, however, we discovered numerous ghost nets caught on coral reefs throughout our dive activities this month.
"Our divers were extremely terrified and disturbed to see two sea turtle carcasses caught in one of the nets".
Hawksbill turtles are critically-endangered reptiles and fully protected under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment.
According to a study conducted by the Marine Research Foundation, the Mantanani Islands are an important nursery for turtles from Sandakan, Terengganu and Sarawak, as well as the Sulu Sea off the Philippines. Since 2006, the foundation has caught and tagged 645 turtles.
Mantanani Divers founder Robert Thien added that action should be taken to ensure local tourism is managed well.
"I really hope that during this recovery MCO, efforts will be really focused on recovery (of the tourism industry), not only from the pandemic, but through actions that really strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the ocean.
"Even if another outbreak strikes, at least we know that our local tourists are confident about local tourism services," he said.
Last year, the state government announced the future gazetting of Mantanani and Darvel Bay (Lahad Datu) waters as Marine Protected Areas before 2023, to achieve the 10 per cent target of protected waters around Sabah.