SAVE OUR CORALS CONSERVATION CANNOT WAIT
SAVE OUR CORALS CONSERVATION CANNOT WAIT
OUR STORY
Prior to the inception of the Resort in 2015, The reef was already severely damaged. This was probably due to factors caused by global warming, destructive fishing practices and also uncontrolled tourism. Shortly after the resort was built, the idea of the Alunan Coral Project was conceived. Our mission was not only to rehabilitate the coral reef, but also to involve our guests and the local community to contribute to our cause through direct participation and creating awareness through education.
In 2017, under the guidance of Dr Gerry Goeden, consulting marine biologist, we laid the foundation of the Alunan Coral Project by putting in place 5 large coral nurseries. These nurseries provide the ‘mother’ coral from which we obtain fragments to propagate the reef.
Since then, we are proud to have achieved several significant milestones, including being the pioneer resort in Malaysia to be officially recognised as an official partner in management & conservation of resources by the Malaysia Department of Fisheries (DOF). Eventually, we aim to restore other sites around Perhentian Island.
Prior to the inception of the Resort in 2015, The reef was already severely damaged. This was probably due to factors caused by global warming, destructive fishing practices and also uncontrolled tourism. Shortly after the resort was built, the idea of the Alunan Coral Project was conceived. Our mission was not only to rehabilitate the coral reef, but also to involve our guests and the local community to contribute to our cause through direct participation and creating awareness through education.
In 2017, we laid the foundation of the Alunan Coral Project by putting in place 5 large coral nurseries. These nurseries provide the ‘mother’ coral from which we obtain fragments to propagate the reef.
Since then, we are proud to have achieved several significant milestones, including being the pioneer resort in Malaysia to be officially recognised as an official partner in management & conservation of resources by the Malaysia Department of Fisheries (DOF). Eventually, we aim to restore other sites around Perhentian Island.
CORAL PROJECT TEAM
Behind the project, there are currently four resident marine biologists working together.
Haqim (2020-current)
Aimi (2019-current)
Haidhar (2020-2021)
Nabihah (2022-current)
Naufal (2022-current)
TIMELINE
The following are some of our major milestones achieved so far.
Coral Nursery
The Alunan Coral Project began with the establishment of the coral nursery - 5 concrete slabs weighing 3 tons each. They provide the ‘mother’ coral, where we obtain fragments to propagate the reef with. The nursery is now home to marine life such as stingray, octopus, giant clams, nudibranchs, and of course juvenile fish which use the nursery as protection.
2017
Creating A Shipwreck
A decommissioned tugboat was sunk to create an artificial reef structure to accommodate larger marine species. As juvenile fish outgrow the protection of a coral reef, they venture to deeper water or reefs that are more conducive to their larger size. This will create a fishing area for the local community, while protecting juvenile fish and the reef.2018
New Reef Propagation System
Improved coral propagation method utilising mobile ‘logs’ and reusable planting pots. This resulted in less raw material wastage, flexible reef placement, and higher engagement with guests. The pots are easily recycled to plant a new coral. This effort culminated in 1,200 corals planted at the end of 2019.
2019
Partner in Management & Conservation of Resources
Obtained official recognition as a partner in Management & Conservation of Natural Resources. As the pioneer resort in East Coast Malaysia to obtain this recognition, we are proud of this major milestone as an affirmation of our efforts so far. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Agro-based Industry was present to award us this accolade.
20202017
Coral Nursery
The Alunan Coral Project began with the establishment of the coral nursery – 5 concrete slabs weighing 3 tons each. They provide the ‘mother’ coral, where we obtain fragments to propagate the reef with. The nursery is now home to marine life such as stingray, octopus, giant clams, nudibranchs, and of course juvenile fish which use the nursery as protection.
2018
Creating A Shipwreck
A decommissioned tugboat was sunk to create an artificial reef structure to accommodate larger marine species. As juvenile fish outgrow the protection of a coral reef, they venture to deeper water or reefs that are more conducive to their larger size. This will create a fishing area for the local community, while protecting juvenile fish and the reef.
2019
New Reef Propagation System
Improved coral propagation method utilising mobile ‘logs’ and reusable planting pots. This resulted in less raw material wastage, flexible reef placement, and higher engagement with guests. The pots are easily recycled to plant a new coral. This effort culminated in 1,200 corals planted at the end of 2019.
2020
Partner in Management & Conservation of Resources
Obtained official recognition as a partner in Management & Conservation of Natural Resources. As the pioneer resort in East Coast Malaysia to obtain this recognition, we are proud of this major milestone as an affirmation of our efforts so far. The Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Agro-based Industry was present to award us this accolade.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The ocean relies on us.
Do your part, do it now.
CORAL DATABASE
All corals are monitored closely,
& data is collected on a quarterly basis.