reefrelief
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reefrelief
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reefrelief
Sarawak's Reef Relief Article courtesy of The Sarawak Tribune The bad news is that two-thirds of the earth's coral reef are dying. It is estimated that 10 percent of the world's reefs have already been degraded beyond recovery and a much larger percentage is now threatened. The good news, however, is that Sarawak has set a model for the rest of Asia in planned and responsible marine conservation by deploying Reef Balls, which will extend and increase the existing coral and build new reefs, writes Nikki Lugun. They looked like something brought in from an alien planet but one description I feel best describes Reef Balls, is a gigantic Swiss cheese in the shape of a football cut in half. Little did the marine creatures and fishes below the surface of the sea know that this would be their new homes. It may look like a concrete eyesore but it looks completely different to fishes. These condo style living is devised especially for fish since they naturally congregate around reefs for food and shelter. In time to come, marine organisms and coral will encrust and attach to these objects and they will be the source of food for other marine creatures. In addition, they will serve as "mines" to rip the nets of trawlers, which are probably the largest culprit responsible for destroying marine life especially turtles. Man's activities and natural disasters have led to a reduction in our natural reef systems. Recreationally, growth in sports fishing, scuba diving and destructive style of commercial fishing has increased the pressures on these systems. Commercially, our seafood industry is dependent on developing the ocean to enable even larger, yet sustainable, harvests. The loss of these natural systems, coupled with increased use, compels the Sarawak government to do everything they can to save natural reefs. Even so, the natural reefs cannot rebuild themselves fast enough to meet human demands. Long lasting artificial reefs are useful tools for restoring the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. Coral reefs are a rare feature in Sarawak due to its shallow sea shelf extending a long way into the ocean. The reefs of Sarawak are limited to the areas off the shores of Bintulu, Miri and off shore islands including the Talang-Satang region. There is a lack of rocky bottoms and the presence of many rivers on the mainland cause the sea bed to have a clay bottom. The Talang-Talang region situated off the coast of Sematan is especially important as it is one of the most.....