Marine Parks Malaysia-management Strategy

Abstract

The coral reef is one of the most and productive ecosystems in the world. It provides a variety of resources and services and thus needs to be protected. The Marine Parks Malaysia was established with the objectives of conservation and protection as well as education. The Department of Fisheries has been given the task of managing the Marine Parks Malaysia as its establishment comes under the purview of the Fishery Act 1985. In its effort to manage the Marine Parks Malaysia sustainable the Department of Fisheries has to overcome several issues related to marine protected areas. Having a multi tiered governing structure has somehow added to the complexity of managing the Marine Parks Malaysia. With the Department of Fisheries having only powers within the waters of the marine parks, issues regarding terrestrial developments need to be addressed jointly with the relevant authorities. Other issues that needed attention are with regards to the conflict of use of the Malaysia for tourism and the tack of awareness among the public regarding the importance of the marine environment. The Marine Parks Malaysia also provide sites for long term research to understand marine ecosystems and ecosystem services in developing sustainable management and to explore and evaluate options for new forms of use. Other than these issues the Department of Fisheries also strives to overcome operational and management issues in terms of capacity building and sustainable financing.