-Save Beautiful Coral Reefs-

By Lim May Yee

2013-121689 

Topic: Ministry of Tourism and Culture

      In Malaysia, tourism sector is one of source of economic growth, it is consist almost 12% to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Therefore, we should also put more efforts in this sector so it can increase the economic in our country. We has discovered that many foreign tourists like diving and enjoy the beauty of the ocean especially marine life. Hence, we should put some efforts to take care the marine life. Coral reef is a very beautiful and attractive plants in the sea. It will attract a lot of tourists and it also increase the economics. Besides that, we have many places for diving to enjoy the marine life like Pulau Tioman, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi and so on.

Coral reefs in Pulau Tioman

       

           However, since 2010, we notice that around 60% to 90% of coral reefs have been destroy due to the diving activities. That's why many diving places were temporary closed included Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Rengis and so fort. It is a very serious problem because it will influences the tourism industry in our country. Tourism will not come again because they feel disappointed through the marine life which already been destroy. 

Pulau Kaca, Kedah

Pulau Payar, Kedah

Pulau Redang, Terengganu

          Why coral reefs will become like the picture shown above? This is because the water is no longer clean as last time. Coral reefs need a clean environment, they need sunlight. If the sea water is muddy, they can't get enough sunlight the they will bleach. Bleach did not mean die, they still alive but if we just leave it like that, then it will die. Besides that, coral reefs bleaching is also due to the temperature. Higher temperature will make coral reefs reject marine algae. Marine algae is the source of nutrition for coral reefs.

          As a Ministry of Tourism and Culture, I suggest to organize a campaign to encourage people to save the coral reefs especially students. It is an important knowledge for students or young kids to know so that when they grow up in the future, they would not harm coral reefs and protect them. 

          Besides that, I would like to cooperate with  Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to have a plan on planting trees around the sea. This is to reduce the temperature of the sea so the coral reefs will not bleach. Like I said just know, the coral reefs cannot survive in an environment with high temperature.

           Last but not least, we will make sure every diver practice safe and responsible diving and snorkeling. We  will prevent the divers from touching the coral reefs and anchor the boat on top of reefs. So, if the boat need to anchor, then they have to look for sandy bottom or use mooring if possible.

           As a Ministry of Tourism and Culture, I believe that if we keep protect and make sure the coral reefs  always in good conditions, thus the number of tourist sure will be increase. It is beneficial to tourism industry and also to the public too. Therefore, we should always protect the beautiful natural resources- coral reefs.

Marine life !!!

Reference:

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