KOTA KINABALU: Marine related organisations have called for the public to be part of the conservation efforts.
Reef Check Malaysia programme manager Nadhirah Mohd Rifai said recreational scuba divers can play an active role while they engage in diving activities.
"As divers, it's crucial to practise good reef etiquette while underwater. For instance, avoid unnecessary contact with marine life, maintain proper buoyancy, and keep your fins up to prevent damaging corals.
"Do support eco-friendly or Green Fins certified dive operators and participate in marine conservation activities as a local hero.
"Apart from that, you can also act as the 'eyes and ears' of the authorities by reporting environmental violations, such as illegal fishing in fully protected marine parks," she was quoted in a statement.
Nadhirah was one of the guest speakers during a luncheon organised by the Sabah Dive Squad Club here yesterday.
The event was attended by club president Sim Fui, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei regional manager Mark Hedger, Marine Research Foundation (MRF) conservation officers Liyana Izwin Khalid and Brittany Ashley Chang; and Malaysia Mermaid Club founder Angelia Thien Hedger.
Hedger said that PADI's Blueprint for Ocean Action demonstrates the association's commitment to address the primary threats faced by our oceans.
"By mobilising millions of passionate PADI torchbearers dedicated to ocean preservation, and collaborating with like-minded global partners, we can drive local initiatives for global impact.
"Our goal is to restore the equilibrium between humanity and the ocean," he said, adding that PADI's AWARE programme encourages divers to actively engage in conservation activities.
Marine Research Foundation's Chang said that since 2017, their non-governmental organisation has been involved in various projects studying the effects of climate change on green sea turtles, devising methods to reduce bycatch of species such as turtles, sharks, and rays, and conducting marine debris removal efforts.
She said next month, MRF is planning an international beach cleanup and hopes to see increased participation from divers.