Zoned marine parks as recreational areas

Abstract

Although Malaysia does not possess marine parks in the true sense of the word, at least three National Parks in Sabah, i.e. the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Turtle Islands National Park and the Pulau Tiga National Park possess extensive marine areas within their park boundaries. A proposal has been made to make at least one coral reef area in Sabah i.e. Semporna Islands into a marine park. Three areas in Peninsular Malaysia have also been surveyed and found suitable to be made into marine parks. A marine park is usually confused with Reserves and Sanctuaries which are primarily intended for preservation purposes. A zoned marine park on the other hand, could provide for preservation if so desired while catering for recreational and educational activities within certain defined zones. Providing water based recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing within marine parks could in addition to popularising water based activities, make the public more aware of the importance of marine resources such as coral reefs and the need to prevent their present deterioration.