KOTA KINABALU: Authorities at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park here have urged visitors to take precaution after they detected coral bleaching at the park.
"Such a situation prompted an urgent call for cooperation from visitors and tourism operators to help mitigate further damage.
"Coral bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrient levels, expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues.
"This results in the corals turning white and can lead to their death if the stressful conditions persist," according to a statement at Sabah Parks' Facebook page.
The park management has identified several key factors contributing to the coral bleaching which include increased sea temperatures,changes in water quality, overexposure to sunlight and ocean acidification.
In response to the bleaching event, the park management has issued a set of guidelines for visitors to follow to help protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
Sabah Parks advised visitors to be extremely careful when approaching areas affected by coral bleaching and to avoid touching or stepping on the corals.
The park management has been collecting data on coral bleaching for the past three months and encourages visitors to report any sightings or changes in coral conditions to hello@sabahparks.org.my.
"We urge all visitors to be vigilant and supportive during this critical time. Your cooperation is essential to our conservation efforts and to contribute to the global understanding of coral ecosystems."
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a renowned marine park near Kota Kinabalu, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The park management hopes that by raising awareness and enforcing these measures, they can mitigate the impact of coral bleaching and ensure the preservation of the park's natural beauty and ecological health.