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In partnership with:

HARD CORALS

MAPPING

IN SEMPORNA, SABAH, MALAYSIA. CLP ID : 03236315 (June 2015 – June 2016)

A PROJECT AIMS FOR CORAL REEF PROTECTION THROUGH MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING The CLP Team in Semporna reaches out to local divers to identify areas with high abundance of endangered hard corals for protection and then advocate for dive operators to be assessed and certified by Green Fins to ensure sustainable practices of tourism in Semporna. The team also spread the message by training a group of local youths to educate and raise awareness in schools to promote love for coral reefs and action against fish bombing activities.

AUTHORS: Choo Poh Leem, Liew Hui Ling, Habibah Mohd Yusah,

Rojaniah Jawalani, Sumira Muis, and Mohd Adzmin Abdul

Fatta

ADDRESS: WWF-Malaysia , Semporna Field Office Lot A2 1st Floor Bandar Utama Jalan Bubul, 91308 Semporna. EMAIL : hardcoralsmapping@gmail.com FACEBOOK PAGE : Hard Corals Mapping in Semporna, Malaysia

DATE OF REPORT COMPLETION: 30JANUARY 2017

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Table of Contents PROJECT PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS........................................................................................................................ 3

SECTION 1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Summary .................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Project members ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

SECTION 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Aim and objectives .............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Changes to original project plan .................................................................................................................................... 10

Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Objective 1: Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism in Semporna implemented ................................. 10

Objective 2: Awareness Increased and Local Community are Educated Regarding Importance of Coral Reefs ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Objective 3: Mushroom Coral Mapping conducted ........................................................................................... 11

Objective 4: Area (for mushroom corals) with high abundance and availability consider for sensitivity protection .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Outputs and Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

Objective 1: Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism in Semporna implemented ................................. 12

Objective 2: Awareness Increased and Local Community are Educated Regarding Importance of Coral Reefs ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Objective 3: Mushroom Coral Mapping Conducted ........................................................................................... 13

Objective 4: Area (for mushroom corals) with high abundance and availability consider for sensitivity protection .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Communication & Application of results ................................................................................................................... 13

Monitoring and Evaluation .............................................................................................................................................. 14

Achievements and Impacts .............................................................................................................................................. 14

(1) Five Additional Dive Operators Backing Green Practices and Coral Protection in Semporna .. 14

(2) Future Leaders Empowered to Protect Coral Reefs in Semporna ........................................................ 14

(3) Identified Areas for Protection in Semporna Marine Spatial Planning .............................................. 14

Capacity Development and Leadership capabilities .............................................................................................. 14

SECTION 3 ................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Problems encountered and lessons learnt ................................................................................................................ 16

In the future ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17

SECTION 4: Appendices ......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Address links and web links ....................................................................................................................................... 34

Distribution List .............................................................................................................................................................. 34

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PROJECT PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS Table 1: Project partners and collaborators of Hard Coral Mapping

Project Partners &

Collaborators Supporting

Objective(s) Involvement

Sabah Parks

Objective 1 &

3

Objective 4

Sabah Parks is one of the research collaborators for

underwater survey. They provided a waived research

permit (within Tun Sakaran Marine Park site) and

research assistances during the survey dive (Mr Rizan).

Also, Sabah Parks helped in co-organizing the Green Fin

Introductory Workshop in Semporna by inviting all dive

operators.

Result Dissemination in the MSP committee meeting

Reef Check Malaysia & Green

Fins (Malaysia) Objective 1

Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) is one of the national

coordinator and assessor for Green Fin Certification in

Malaysia. A staff from RCM which is an assessor for Green

Fin had come to Semporna and presented on the

certification during the introductory workshop. Due to

good respond from dive operators, RCM had organized

another training to train more Green Fin Assessor to help

in the assessment for Semporna region. They eventually

managed to assess and certify several dive operators for

this project.

Scuba Junkie

Objective 1 &

3

Objective 4

Scuba Junkie is one of the top environment-pro dive

operators. They are actively involved in this project by

providing the team with logistic and manpower support in

the 2nd phase of underwater survey. During the Marine

Week Celebration, they provided a session for us to

introduce the Hard Corals Mapping Project in their resort

(Mabul). Scuba Junkie also received their 2nd reassessment

for Green Fin after the workshop under this project.

Scuba Junkie invited us to give a presentation to do result

Dissemination in the Mabul Marine Week

Semporna Blue Reef |

Seahorse Sipadan Scuba

Objective 1 &

3

Provide discounted price for diving trip logistic and

assistance. Attended the Green Fin Introductory

Workshop and managed to be certified as Green Fins

member in the year 2016. Mr Ali (Blue Reef), Mr Arif and

Mr Jojo (Seahorse) are the local dive masters who had

assisted us during underwater survey.

Borneo Global Sipadan

Backpackers | Borneo Jungle

River Island Tours |

Singamata Adventures and

Reefs Resort Sdn Bhd |

Borneo Speedy Dive

Objective 1 &

3

Attend Green Fins Introductory Workshop.

Two local dive masters from Borneo Global Sipadan

Backpackers also assisted with the underwater survey.

Green Semporna Objective 2 Promoted Hard Corals Mapping Project in environmental

programmes and exhibitions.

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Conducted Anti Fish Bombing Roadshow in selected

primary schools - SK Simunul, SK Balimbang, SK Berpusat

Bum-Bum, and Pusat Pembangunan Minda Insan

Kampung Hidayat.

Ms Serena Adam Chua Objective 2 Volunteer diver for the 2nd phase of underwater survey in

Tun Sakaran Marine Park site.

Dr James Tan - Universiti

Malaysia Terengganu Objective 3

Trainer for Coral Identification Training for the Hard

Corals Mapping team members.

District Officer Semporna |

Town and Regional Planning

Department | Department of

Fisheries Sabah | Marine

Police | Sabah Wildlife

Department | University

Malaysia Sabah | Malaysian

Maritime Enforcement

agency | Hospital Semporna |

Farmers Organization

Authority| Education

Department Semporna | Ko-

Nelayan Semporna |

Agriculture Department |

Sabah Port and Harbour

Department | RELA

Semporna | Borneo Spatial

Planning S/B | Muzium

Sabah| Tour Operator

Association | Tourists

Objective 4 Result Dissemination in the MSP committee meeting

The Reef dive Resort

Mataking | Seaventure |

Borneo Divers | JKKKs from

Pulau Omadal |Pulau Bait |

Pulau Larapan.

Objective 4 Result Dissemination in the Coral Bleaching Early

Response Plan workshop

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SECTION 1

Summary Hard Corals Mapping in Semporna, Malaysia ultimately aims for coral reef protection through marine spatial planning with four main objectives namely, (i) Implementation of Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism in Semporna, (ii) Raising Awareness Level of Local Community Regarding Importance of Coral Reefs through Anti-Fish Bombing roadshow, (iii) Mapping of Mushroom Corals in identified survey sites together with dive operators in Semporna and (iv) Proposing protection to identified Area (for mushroom corals) with high abundance and availability. This project had successfully encouraged four (4) dive operators to be certified as Green Fins members – a great step to create the pressure for other dive operators in Semporna to follow suit as well as engaging and inviting several dive operators to participate in our dive trips to allow them to better understand their roles in assisting researchers as well as raising awareness to their customers. Throughout the project, we have encountered several challenges including acknowledging the gap in skills and experience among the team members, hence we have hosted experts to provide the necessary training. Additionally, we have also modified methodology for Objective 2 to quantify awareness level of the previously interviewed volunteers and the newly engaged volunteers instead of attitude and behavioral changes due to uncertainty in their commitment and issues in consistent participation amongst the volunteers.

Introduction Unsustainable tourism development and fishing industry in Semporna post threat to a globally recognised Priority Conservation Area. By mapping the endangered mushroom corals, the biodiversity within the area will be highlighted and proposed as conservation zones through Semporna Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). This project will collaborate with dive operators to conduct underwater surveys to map abundance and distribution of the targeted mushroom corals. Spatial analysis will be conducted using ArcGIS, and then incorporated into online information sharing platform. A local youth club will be encourage and engage to conduct education and awareness activities. Consequently, local youth will be empowered to champion marine conservation.

Map of surveyed areas as pinned in yellow (Source: Google landsat)

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Project members Team Leader

Name : Choo Poh Leem

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 31

I am the Semporna Team Leader, Marine Programme, WWF-Malaysia since July 2014. Before that, I was a marine biologist based in Semporna, Sabah since 2011. Before joining WWF-Malaysia, I completed my Master of Applied Science in Tropical Marine Biology and Fisheries Biology at the James Cook University, Townsville, Australia, and I obtained my BSc (First. Hons) in Biological Science Ecology and Biodiversity at University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In this CLP project in Malaysia, I am leading a team of young conservationists from different background to play their part in the project. As the project planner and monitor, I organized various planning meetings with the team member, to support them in project implementation and keep me updated on the progress of the project. In term of scientific knowledge, I capacity build myself by reviewing related literatures and designing the suitable methodology for underwater survey. I lead the scientific data collections, report writing and presenting the result to stakeholders.

The best skills I learnt through this CLP project are to identify coral underwater and produce map with R-studio. Other than that, team work and leadership skill was also been polished through the project period. During the project, community outreach and empowerment was conducted, stakeholder awareness raising activities were organized in collaboration with partners and government agencies. The part I enjoyed the most from this project is the friendship I gained, with other like minded team members. We work together dedicatedly to protect the coral reefs that we treasured.

After this project, I will continue this Hard Corals Mapping project, Semporna with the fellowship I have received from EDGE, sponsored from ZSL. During the CLP project, I have the opportunities to try different methodology in data collection. It generated my interest and provided me background to write a research proposal on the coral reef management especially for the protection of vulnerable species of coral. I intend to further my study and advocate for better coral reef management in Semporna.

Core Members

Name : Habibah binti Mohd Yusah

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 30

I obtained my Bachelor Degree from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu with background in Marine Sciences back in the year 2011. My previous work mainly based in Semporna, Sabah involved with several international environmental NGOs and governmental offices. I embarked on marine conservation field focusing on marine environmental health assessment and

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community engagement. I was with WWF-Malaysia, Marine Conservation Society and Sabah Parks as well as being involved with consultation project of fisheries in Sabah (freelance). Being with the mentioned organizations, I learned how to deal with the fish bombers up to the restoration of bombed areas. Awared of the impact a community can bring to a conservation effort, I did not limit my focus on scientific terms but I am trying to broaden my horizon to social sciences studies. Taking a break from work in Sabah, I was briefly channelling the knowledge of marine fields and make an impact to the city fellows; worked as an Education Executive in Aquaria KLCC, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. I have just graduated from Universiti Putra Malaysia with Masters of Science in the field of Natural Resources Policy. Forming a strong team and applied for a conservation grant through CLP, I can say that we are actually making the impact in both to the community and the environment. I gathered my experience in the related field and contributed as much time and energy as I can to ensure I did not slacked from the responsibility given. Having a dedicated team which is also friends at heart makes this short journey beautiful. Their willingness to share knowledge and skills were the things that I think most valuable in this project, personally.

Name : Liew Hui Ling

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 28

When recruited as one of the team members of this CLP Project, I am the

Marine Conservation Officer based in Semporna. My priorities in this CLP

project include but not limited to graphics designing, proofreading and event

coordination. Throughout the project, I realised that one's capability is not

defined by age but by a willingness to acquire knowledge. In this team, we

complement one another's strengths and this is the essence of our project.

Besides strengthening our relationship, we also polished our teamwork spirits

and leadership skills through different aspects of the CLP project. Personally, I

have acquired knowledge and skills in identifying types and species of corals

underwater by attending the coral identification training with Dr James. When

engaging with stakeholders especially dive operators, I have gained a better

knowledge of Semporna through the conversations generated. The rapport we

build enabled better flow of information as well as better deals for dive

equipment rental. I have learned a great deal about a research starting from

drafting a proposal to execution followed by analysis and result-sharing. I

believe that with the experiences gained through the CLP project, it will greatly

benefit me when I further my studies in the conservation field.

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Name : Muhammad Adzmin Bin Abdul Fatta

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 23

I am now working with Reef Check Malaysia as Assistant Programme Manager.

Prior to joining Reef Check Malaysia, I worked for Marine Biologist in WWF-

Malaysia and went on to being the Assistant to Marine Conservation Officer for

another two years. I’m also the Co-Founder and Vice President for Green

Semporna, a rising local youth NGO in Semporna. My interest in conservation

and youth empowerment led me to participate in this Hard Coral Mapping

Project in Semporna.

In this project my role is a Program Coordinator where I assisted the

implementation of first objective which is to promote sustainable tourism

practices in Semporna. I coordinated the introductory workshop and

assessment for Green Fin Certification and assisted with logistic arrangement

for the underwater survey. During this project, I utilise my skill to produce a

short video for the activities and regular stakeholder engagement for

partnership or collaboration.

My involvement with this project has brought me more opportunities to further

develop my conservationist experiences and skills. I was selected and attended

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)’s regional program in

Jakarta and Philippines in the year 2016. Not only that, last September I had the

privilege to represent Malaysia as our Ocean Youth Ambassador to the United

States under International Visitor Leadership Program and the Department of

The United States.

In direct participation with this project, I have learnt Coral Identification,

SCUBA Diving, Scientific Data Collection and report proposal writing. Working

with this dedicated team motivated and inspired my passion as young local

conservationist in Semporna.

Name : Rojaniah Binti Jawalani

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 27

I am degree holder in Bachelor of Surveying Science and Geomatic (Honours)

majoring in Geographical Information System or known as GIS. Currently, I am

working with Marine Programme, WWF-Malaysia, Semporna as GIS Assistant for

almost one year and a half. Eversince I was involved in marine conservation

under WWF-Malaysia, it became the starting point of my journey to decide

becoming a marine conservationist in addition to the chance given under this

project by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP).

In this Hard Corals Mapping in Semporna project funded by CLP, my role is as

the Geomatician who responsible to map 12 dive sites as our study area, to find

all dive sites coordinate points when doing the underwater survey and produce

map of distribution two species, Lithophyllon Ranjithi and Heliofungia

Actiniformis.

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CLP really helps me to build a career as young conservationist as I had the

opportunity in gaining experience for scientific research when participating in

data collection to find the two species of mushroom corals. I learned so much in

education and awareness programme with school kids as to how conservationist

spread love to others so they will fall in love and care for corals in Semporna.

The most beneficial experience CLP given to me is the fund and opportunity to

become a SUBA diver. I have also learned from coral identification workshop and

practiced identification during the underwater survey. With at least 3 dives each

time we conduct data collection at field trips, I realized my diving skills has

improved.

Besides that, I am really grateful to CLP as this project allowed me to explore

new angles in geomatic scope, I gained new knowledge when participated in

Spatial Modelling Workshop at Bogor, Indonesia in March 2016 which was

hosted by CLP and Bogor Agricultural University. Now, this new skills and tools

really help me solve the real life marine conservation issue especially for

mapping, modelling and monitoring. I would like to record thanks to CLP and not

forgetting, to all my team members for your cooperation and knowledge sharing.

I am really happy to work in a team coming from multi-background and helped

me to improve my knowledge, experience and eventually inspired me further in

marine conservation.

Name : Sumira Muis

Nationality : Malaysian

Age : 24

Involved with environmental conservation since I joined the local youth club, Green Semporna in 2013. Graduated with Bachelor of Applied Science Biodiversity Conservation and Management from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in 2015. Currently, am working as a project coordinator for Animal Projects & Environmental Education. Focusing with the projects to improve wildlife welfare in Malaysia at the same time involved in forest restoration in Kinabatangan river. My main role in hard corals mapping project in Semporna as an organizer for education and awareness activities by engaging with the member from Green Semporna to spread the message for the younger generation on the importance of coral reefs in semporna area. At the same time, I helped my team members for data collection at three dive sites. As a one of the team member in this project, I thank to Conservation Leadership Programme for fully supporting this project as I gained new experiences and also new knowledge and became aware the importance having a healthy reefs especially in Semporna area. My opportunity certified as an Open Water Diver encourages me to know more about the threatened mushroom corals in Semporna. Despite as a new diver, I take a challenge to help my team to do the underwater survey data collection in three different dive sites. These experiences showed me that I need to take another opportunity to learn more about reefs conservation and preserved the marine ecosystem especially in Semporna area. With the new knowledge I gained from this projects, I will take another step forward to be a conservationist in a future.

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SECTION 2

Aim and objectives Sabah harbours 80% of the coral reefs in Malaysia, where Semporna have the highest concentration of coral reefs. However, unsustainable tourism development in Semporna posts threat to a globally recognised Priority Conservation Area. Semporna Marine Ecological Expedition (SMEE) in 2010 confirmed that at least 43 mushroom coral species (highest in the region) can be found in Semporna Priority Conservation Area, which included endangered hard corals, such as Heliofungia actiniformis and Lithophyllon ranjithi. Hence, by mapping the endangered mushroom corals, the biodiversity within the area will be highlighted and proposed as conservation zones through Semporna Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). Protection of marine habitat through integrated spatial planning is to support and facilitate a planning process in all levels towards achieving 10% marine protected are covered in Malaysia’s EEZ. In order to develop a marine spatial plan, biodiversity hotspot and climate refugee area needs to be identified. This project had collaborated with dive operators to conduct underwater surveys to map abundance and distribution of the targeted mushroom corals. Spatial analysis will be conducted using RStudio, and then incorporated into online information sharing platform. A local youth club was also engaged to conduct education and awareness activities and consequently, empowered to champion local marine conservation.

Changes to original project plan Consultation sessions with the mushroom coral experts, Dr. Bert Hoeksema in Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in Netherland before the commencement of field trip resulted in recommendation for the change in the endangered coral species because one of the proposed coral species, Cantharellus noumea have no records in recent decades. He suggested focusing on Heliofungia actiniformis, which is threatened by aquarium trade. This species is categorized as Vulnerable in IUCN Red List. During the scoping study, this species was confirmed to be abundant in Semporna, therefore the change in target species. This is crucial because we were able to identify a suitable target species which is found locally and therefore able to convey the importance to the local communities. This also does not change the aim of this project towards habitat protection. Post evaluation survey which was supposed to commence in March 2016 was on-hold because some of the initial volunteers interviewed in the pre-evaluation survey was not able to organise any of the two scheduled roadshows at schools, as a pre-requisite to be counted as a suitable candidate for awareness evaluation. As an adaptation plan, the methodology to evaluate awareness level is modified to quantify awareness level of the previously interviewed volunteers and the newly engaged volunteers.

Methodology

Objective 1: Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism in Semporna implemented This objective was to provide the needed support to related government agency namely, Sabah Parks who had expressed intention to obligate Green Fin certification for all dive operators in Semporna due to the increase in such operation for the recent years. The success of this objective is achieved when there are five (5) dive operators evaluated for Green Fin Certification in Semporna. Therefore, Green Fins Introductory Workshop and supporting Green Fins assessors to conduct the evaluation are the main activities under this objective. (Refer Appendix II)

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Objective 2: Awareness Increased and Local Community are Educated Regarding Importance of Coral Reefs The success is quantified through two methods: (i) a case study of qualitative research amongst participated individuals regarding their knowledge and attitude after being involved in the project, and (ii) number of roadshows conducted by local youth club at local schools. The engaged individuals are invited to attend to a training camp to introduce Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) through this project. These individuals are then invited to attend to a pre and post evaluation survey sessions scheduled before and after roadshows. During this session, a questionnaire is being referred to and their audio responses are recorded for analysis after the session.

(L-R): Outreach event to one of primary schools in Bum-Bum island. School kids were divided into small groups for more in-depth learning experience

Objective 3: Mushroom Coral Mapping conducted This objective invites and engages with dive operators to participate in underwater survey to identify the targeted species of mushroom corals. The minimum number of divers needed for one site is six persons. The methodology used for the field trips and data collection detailed as follows:

1) Dive sites are roughly determined and GPS coordinates are marked prior to the field trips to ensure that we arrived at the identified areas with said targeted species.

2) Once at the marked area, the first pair of divers will carry transects, dive computers and underwater camera. They will descend at the marked coordinates but will recce for a suitable area before deploying a safety marker to notify determined survey sites. Each dive will lay two 50 metres transects located about 20 fin kicks to the left and right of the deployed safety marker.

3) Diver with the underwater camera will record at least one (1) metre length bathymetry videos along the transects placed parallel the reefs situated on the side further away from the island.

4) The second pair of divers will carry markers, and a rod which will allow estimation of the width whereby the specimen will be counted. They will search for suspected individuals of the targeted species and place the markers in order for the next pair to record data of the individual.

5) The last pair will carry data sheets, measuring tapes and underwater camera. They will search for any marked individuals and then record needed data as specified in the data sheet especially measurement of the individual and then a labelled photograph of the specimen is then taken.

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Underwater transect layout plan

(L & R): Mushroom coral identification during survey.

Objective 4: Area (for mushroom corals) with high abundance and availability consider for sensitivity protection Written valuation reports included maps and manuscript and videos will be used as means for verifications of all four indicators. The result has been presented to related government agencies to be considered for habitat protection under the district effort – Marine Spatial Plan. Field trips and data collected in Objective 3 are crucial because it is the overall aim of this project therefore ensuring the success of this objective for this project.

Outputs and Results

Objective 1: Best Practices for Sustainable Tourism in Semporna implemented Under this objective, a Green Fins Introductory Workshop was co-organised with Sabah Parks, Reef Check Malaysia and Green Fins at Semporna. A total of 17 dive operators in Semporna had attended to the workshop and a total of four (4) dive operators had immediately signed up as new member to be assessed for Green Fins certification. As of December 2016, Green Fins assessors had conducted their evaluations on seven (7) dive operators namely Scuba Junkie Mabul Island, Borneo Speedy Dive & Tour, Borneo Jungle River Island Tours S/B and Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort Sdn. Bhd, Mataking Reef Dive Resort, Semporna Blue Reef, and Sipadan Pom-Pom Island. The assessment report showed that Scuba Junkie Mabul Island scored the best (the lower the score, the more sustainable dive practices were implemented) of the four dive operators at score of 42, followed by Borneo Speedy Dive & Tour, Borneo Jungle River Island Tours S/B and Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort Sdn. Bhd with score of 161, 228 and 246 respectively. A detailed report from Green Fins evaluation report is attached in Appendix II. During this engagement period, a total of 40 pieces posters of seven (7) designs were distributed and are displayed by dive operators attended to the workshop at their reception offices.

1 metre

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Objective 2: Awareness Increased and Local Community are Educated Regarding Importance of Coral Reefs A total of four (4) roadshows were conducted at local primary schools (SK. Balimbang, SK. Kg. Simunul, SK. Berpusat Bum - Bum and Pusat Pembangunan Minda Insan, Kg Hidayat) in Semporna throughout the duration of the project. An total of more than 270 students was reached. Prior to this objective, Green Semporna was approached to conduct the school outreach under the supervision and assistance of CLP team members. Thus, according to the early planning of assessing the impact on their awareness level, the project supposed to cover pre and post interview to everyone (Green Semporna member) who was involved. Unfortunately, to date, we are still unable to see the awareness level differences due to several reasons which had been discussed earlier (see Changes to Original Project Plan)

(L-R): CLP team leader delivering training to the participating Green Semporna members. In-depth interview is in session.

Objective 3: Mushroom Coral Mapping Conducted Site scoping research was done by end of the year 2015 to get the sense of the availability, abundance and distribution of selected species of mushroom corals in five (5) dive sites. For the final data collection, a total of 12 dive sites been surveyed through two phases. The first underwater survey was done in May 2016 (29th – 31st) covering Church Reef 2, Ribbon Reef, Gaya Island 1 SE, Tetagan Island Inner Lagoon and Bohey Dulang Island 2, followed by the second trip on December 2016 (25th – 27th) covering Larapan Island & Larapan 2S, Silawa, Mata Pahi, Church Reef 1 & 2 and Sebangkat. A full set of raw data is presented in the Appendix III whilst the maps and its R Studio Script are presented in Appendix IV.

Objective 4: Area (for mushroom corals) with high abundance and availability consider for sensitivity protection After conducting the survey, we managed to identify the area with high abundance of targeted coral species is the near shore island in Larapan Island. We shared our idea during Semporna Marine Spatial Planning workshop to the government agencies and during the Coral Bleaching Early Response Plan workshop to local community and dive operators and Mabul Marine Week to tourist and employees in resort. The Semporna MSP workshop participants are listed in the early chapter of Project Partners and Collaborators.

Communication & Application of results With our tagline ‘Let’s Work Together to Protect Coral Reefs’- a simple and direct message, our team worked on our media and outreach tools to broadcast our message and our project aim through

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distributions of t-shirts, posters and factsheets (please see Appendix IV: Communication Materials). These posters have been seen displayed at the dive operators offices and resorts. We also shared our posters to schools during anti-fish-bombing roadshow to be displayed on their notice boards. The same set of posters was also displayed by Green Semporna to promote coral reefs conservation for their awareness exhibition during Regata Lepa-Lepa (an annual celebration in Semporna). Through social media platform - Facebook, we reached out to a wider audience where we got the opportunity to share our project photos, videos, updates, and coral reefs conservation messages for public viewing. Additionally, the designed CLP t-shirt for all member were also being worn on every occasion. These posters and factsheets highlights the IUCN status of the project’s target species namely, Heliofungia actiniformis and Lithophyllon ranjithi and thus created a sense of urgency to voice support for habitat protection especially identified areas with high abundance of the targeted species.

Monitoring and Evaluation As part of our internal communications, we conducted meetings regularly to monitor the progress of the implemented project. Prior to that, a timeline for everyone also created to ensure our time contribution is absorbed accordingly. From the angle of the mushroom corals survey, the project was designed for a one-off survey. The survey purely to detect the presence of these vulnerable species in the subject area as well as to see their abundance and distribution. A laid out map which is produced through this project, for a starter, will be used as a benchmark for further conservation work and plan.

Achievements and Impacts

(1) Five Additional Dive Operators Backing Green Practices and Coral Protection in Semporna With the additional five(5) dive operators certified as Green Fins members, this project is funding the first step (which are usually the hardest) towards a sustainable tourism industry which is growing in Semporna with sprouting dive operators establishing in the small town. With best practices in place, this project advocates to reduce additional pressure from tourism industry to the coral reefs in Semporna. This hence, creates a community that will support the proposal for habitat protection because coral reefs bring in the income for these dive operators.

(2) Future Leaders Empowered to Protect Coral Reefs in Semporna A total of more than 270 students from four (4) scattered schools in Semporna has been educated of the importance of coral reefs and pledged to protect these habitats from destructive fishing methods, especially fish bombing. This directly contributes towards habitat protection at individual level that will, in long term, create a community that practices a lifestyle that ensure environment are not destroyed in the quest for development.

(3) Identified Areas for Protection in Semporna Marine Spatial Planning We managed to identify area with high threat from fish bombing and also high biodiversity in term of corals. However, we need to do more data collection and community engagement to be able to propose this area as the community managed area.

Capacity Development and Leadership capabilities Through this project, three out of six members were given the opportunity to be certified as SCUBA divers and are able to participate in all field trips. Adzmin, Sumira, and Rojaniah were not a diver on their first venture into this project. With the help of this project, the three of them have been able to undergo the training and be certified as divers. Surprisingly, though they are a new diver they performed very well in conducting the data collection underwater. This in return help the research to be done in a timely manner.

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SECTION 3

Conclusion Sound achievements were made throughout the one year project. The main purpose of the project is to highlight the area with high marine biodiversity especially targeted coral’s habitat to be put into the consideration of setting up a no-take zone or priority conservation zone to protect them. This purpose brings us to the overall goal which is to protect the marine habitat through integrated protected zone. In our Objective 4, we successfully presented the result and bring forward the idea during the two-day Semporna MSP workshop last year (30th November to 1st December 2016). Best practices of sustainable tourism in the area also have started to be implemented through the project. The Green Fins assessment result is used as a yardstick to select among all participating dive operators. We gathered five (5) operators successfully marked as operating under the sustainable-concerned business. We were also conducted series of trainings and workshops to local community especially young volunteers. Additionally, through several phase of underwater scientific discoveries, areas where these vulnerable mushroom occurred are identified as highly sensitive for destructive fishing or unsustainable tourism.

(L-R): Workshop of Semporna MSP with participation from various background of Semporna stakeholders. Species in question with their distribution maps were displayed during the workshop.

Problems encountered and lessons learnt

What Went Well and What Did Not: The successful achievement of planned outputs and outcomes are mainly contributed by a good line of communications between the project team with our targeted collaborators namely Sabah Parks, WWF-Malaysia, Green Semporna Youth Club, Reef Check Malaysia and Green Fins as well as Scuba Junkie. The continuous engagement and communication provided them with trust and gained their support and necessary assistance to ensure smooth execution of the CLP project, for example, venue sponsorship for workshop, scientific equipment during the fieldtrips, logistic sponsorship for dive trip, waived research permit fees within the survey sites within Tun Sakaran Marine Park, among others. Stumbling Blocks: We have also managed several adaptations throughout our project duration. Acknowledging the lack of sufficient identification skills among the team members, we hosted a coral expert, Dr James Tan from University Malaysia Terengganu to provide us the training which enabled us to identify corals up to genus level by using Coral Finder. However, coral species identification do require substantial amount of experience in the field. Hence, we sourced for expert’s confirmation on the suspected mushroom coral samples collected from dive trips. Additionally, we were also challenged in managing youths who were unable to commit to the pre and post survey qualitative studies evaluation which largely contribute to one of the output for Objective

17

2. The numbers of participating members are very limited and their absence in the post-survey greatly affected the data analysis and interpretation. The lack of appropriate interviewing skills from the designated interviewee among the selected team member also affected the validity and reliability of the result is questionable. We learned that it is crucial to make sure that the potential interviewers must possess a comprehensive knowledge with social sciences background. Lessons Learnt: Overall, we have learned that while being ambitious in achieving substantial impacts in a short duration of time greatly boost the motivation and perseverance among members, we need to do frequent reality checks along the way through attending workshop to learn from other projects, hands-on experience and guidance amongst members and most importantly, to acknowledge the team’s weaknesses and to actively seek out for advice from relevant experts to encourage knowledge sharing while making necessary adaptation towards the goal of the project.

In the future Throughout this grant project, we detect more follow-ups work needed to be done. Together with the first few awarded Green Fin dive operators in Semporna, we need to work out more interest among the others. Re-assessment and monitoring for the existing ones also need to be consistent to avoid them from losing interest or be de-motivated over time. Hence, for the first objective, we will keep engaging and follow up with the interested dive operators for the new and re-assessment of Green Fin. With the present of new Green Fin assessor based in Sabah/Semporna, the assessment coordination and execution will be easier. We also have invested a good amount of grant to contribute to train volunteers from Green Semporna in delivering conservational messages to the public. This is necessary considering the Anti Fish Bombing Campaign have to be carried out consistently. From then on, the training provided should be able to equip the young volunteers to conduct their own campaign independently in the future. Last but not least, we would like to further our project to community engagement especially at fish bombing hotspots. From this project, we know that Larapan Island is the hotspot of fish bombing and also an area with high abundance of targeted coral and high live coral covers. We would like to propose for Community-Managed Area, advocate for the locals to do patrolling to deter fish bombing, and conduct education and awareness activities. Therefore, we would like to apply for Conservation Follow-up awards next year.

Bombed fish found during of the survey trips in Larapan island, December 2016.

18

SECTION 4: Appendices APPENDIX I: CLP M&E MEASURES TABLE

Output Number Additional Information

Number of CLP Partner Staff involved in mentoring the Project

2

Amount of extra funding leveraged ($)

RM35000 RM 3000 from Scuba Junkie RM 1500 from Sabah Parks RM 2000 from WWF-Malaysia AFB Comic book printing RM5000 from WWF-Malaysia for workshops and meetings venue RM 10000 from EDGE

Number of species discovered/rediscovered

2 Both species of mushroom corals were discovered to be occurred in the study area

Number of stakeholders actively engaged in species/site conservation management

>20 As listed in the earliest chapter

Number of stakeholders reached

>500

Number of Government Agencies reached

15 During MSP committee workshop

Number of dive operators reached

17 During the one to one engagement and Green Fin Introduction workshop

Number of tourists reached

50 During Mabul Marine Week

Number of students reached

>350 Awareness activities in schools

Examples of stakeholder behaviour change brought about by the project.

N/A We need a continuation from the project to be able to see any behavioral changes

Number of communication video produced

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pePkCmbqbFc

Number of Facebook page created

1 https://www.facebook.com/hardcoralsmappingsemporna/

Number of conferences/ consultation? where project results have been presented

1 Semporna Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Workshop

APPENDIX II: RESULT ASSESSMENT OF DIVE OPERATORS AS OUTLINED BY GREEN FINS MALAYSIA (APRIL, 2016)

19

No. Date Activity Dive Operator Assessors Score

1 6 April 2016,

Wednesday

Second year

reassessment

Scuba Junkie

Mabul

1. Arthur Severinus (Sabah Parks).

2. Nadhirah Mohd. Rifai (Reef Check Malaysia).

42

2. 7April 2016,

Thursday

First year

assessment

Singamata

Adventures and

Reef Resort Sdn.

Bhd.

1. Ali Mara Paka (Sabah Parks).

2. Jamie Valiant Ng. (Reef Check Malaysia).

246

3. 8 April 2016,

Friday

First year

assessment

Borneo Speedy

Dive & Tour

1. Ali Mara Paka (Sabah Parks).

2. Nadhirah Mohd. Rifai (Reef Check Malaysia)

161

4. 11 April 2016,

Monday

First year

assessment

Borneo Jungle

River Island Tours

S/B

1. Arthur Severinus (Sabah Parks)

2. Jamie Valiant Ng. (Reef Check Malaysia)

228

Note: The lesser the score the dive operators, the better their operation in following the green marine tourism guidelines.

20

APPENDIX III: DATA COLLECTED FROM DIVE TRIPS Dive Trip – 29 May 2016 Transect #1

Site Name Tetagan 1

Island Tatagan Island

Transect Depth 9.3m

Date 29/5/16

Start time

1.06pm

Underwater bearing 20

End time

1.45 pm

Tides 1.4m (Mid Tide)

GPS point

4° 35' 55.4"N

Sea state Calm

118° 43' 43.2"E

Temperature 31

Ind No

Tag No

Species Size (cm)

Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 N/A HA 2.2 cm D4/white tip/attached to

rock N/N

2 N/A LR 3.5cm brown/ attached N/N

3 0 HA 7 cm C5/white tip/ detached N/N

4 N/A HA 4 cm C5/white tip/ attached N/N

5 N/A LR 1.9cm light brown/ attached N/N

6 1 LR 5.8cm D5/ attached N/N

7 2 HA 6.1cm C5/white tip/ detached N/N

Transect #2

Site Name Tetagan 2

Island Tatagan Island

Transect Depth 13.3m

Date 29/5/16

Start time

1.51pm

Underwater bearing 20

End time

2.20pm

Tides 1.3m (Mid Tide)

GPS point

4° 35' 54.7"N

Sea state

Calm

118° 43' 43.7"E

Temperature

29

Ind No Tag No Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 HA 5.9cm D3/white tip/detached N/N

2 LR 2.6cm brown/attached N/N

3 LR 5.3 cm brown/attached N/N

21

Transect #3 Site Name Tetagan 3 Island Tatagan Island

Transect Depth 6.5m Date 29/5/16

Start time 4.01pm Underwater bearing 20

End time 4.45pm Tides 0.7m (Low Tide)

GPS point 4° 35' 54.1"N

Sea state Calm

118° 43' 41.4"E

Temperature 29

Ind No Tag No Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 0 HA 6.7cm D3/white tip/detached N/N

2 N/A LR 5.8cm brown-D3/attached N/N(depth6.5m)

3 N/A LR 4.3 cm brown-D3/attached N/N(depth6.5m)

Dive Trip – 30 May 2016 Transect #4

Site Name

Bohey 1

Island Bohey Dulang Island

Transect Depth 12 m

Date 30/5/16

Start time

10.20am

Underwater bearing 345

End time

Tides 1.3m (High Tide)

GPS point

4° 35' 3.8"N Sea state Calm

118° 47' 0.4"E Temperature 29

Ind No

Tag No

Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 1 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

2 1 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

3 1 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

4 1 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

5 1 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

6 1 HA 0.9cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

7 1 HA 1.2cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

8 0 HA 15.7cm D3/white tip/detached coral

22

9 2 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

10 2 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

11 2 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

12 2 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

13 2 HA 4cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

14 2 HA 2cm D2/white tip/attached

to antho N/N

Transect #5

Site Name

Bohey 2

Island Bohey Dulang Island

Transect Depth 15m

Date 30/5/16

Start time

10.57pm

Underwater bearing 175

End time

11.20pm

Tides 1.4m (High Tide)

GPS point

4° 34' 0.09"N Sea state Calm

118° 45' 27.6"E Temperature 29

Ind No Tag No Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 3 HA 4.5cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

2 3 HA 4.5cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

3 3 HA 1.2cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

4 3 HA 2.6cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

5 3 HA 2.6cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

6 3 HA 2.6cm D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

7 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

8 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

9 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

10 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

11 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

12 4 HA How D2/white tip/attached

antho N/N

Transect #6

23

Site Name Ribbon Reef Island Bodgaya Island

Transect Depth 10.6m

Date 30/5/16

Start time

2.05pm

Underwater bearing 135

End time

Tides 1.2m (Mid Tide)

GPS point

4° 36' 10"N Sea state Calm

118°45'53.6"E Temperature 31

Ind No Tag No

Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 0 HA 6cm D4/white tip/attached coral shrimp

2 0 LR 4.5cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

3 0 LR 2.7 cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

4 0 LR 4.9cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

5 1 LR 6.1cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

6 2 LR 3.4cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

7 3 LR 5.4cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

8 0 HA 0.9cm D4/white tip/attached N/N

Transect #7

Site Name Ribbon Reef Island Bodgaya Island

Transect Depth 10.4m

Date 30/5/16

Start time

2.37pm

Underwater bearing 335

End time

2.55pm

Tides 1.0m (Low Tide)

GPS point

4° 36' 10.8"N Sea state Calm

118° 45' 52.4"E Temperature 29

Ind No Tag No Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 1 HA 1.2cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho coral shrimp

2 1 HA 1.2cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

3 1 HA 1.1cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

4 1 HA 1.6cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

5 1 HA 0.9cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

6 1 HA 1.7cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

24

7 1 HA 1.6cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

8 1 HA 1.7cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

9 1 HA 1.5cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

10 1 HA 0.7cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

11 1 HA 0.7cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

12 1 HA 1.2cm C3/white tip/attached

Antho N/N

13 2 HA 0.6cm C3/white tip/attached N/N

14 2 HA 0.7cm C3/white tip/attached N/N

Dive Trip – 31 May 2016 Transect #8

Site Name Gaya 1

Island Bodgaya Island

Transect Depth 9.6 m

Date 31/5/16

Start time

10.10am

Underwater bearing 345

End time

10.55am

Tides 1.4m (High tide)

GPS point

4° 37’ 29’’ N Sea state Calm

118° 46’ 38.9” E Temperature 28

Ind No Tag No Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 1 LR 3.6cm C3/attached N/N

2 2 HA 0.6cm C3/white tip/attached to

antho Shrimp

3 2 HA 4.5cm C3/white tip/attached to

antho N/N

4 3 HA 2.9cm C3/white tip/attached to

antho N/N

5 3 HA 3.1cm C3/white tip/attached to

antho N/N

6 4 LR 4.3cm C5/attached N/N

7 5 LR 2.7cm C6/attached N/N

25

Transect #9

Site Name Gaya 2

Island Bodgaya Island

Transect Depth 8m

Date 31/5/16

Start time

10.55pm

Underwater bearing 125

End time

11.20pm

Tides 1.4m (High Tide)

GPS point

4° 37' 28.8"N Sea state Calm

118° 46' 39.3"E Temperature 28

Ind No Tag No

Species Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 1 HA 2.5cm C3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

2 1 HA 2.7cm C3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

3 2 LR 5.4cm C6/white tip/attached

antho N/N

4 3 HA 3.4cm C3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

5 7 HA 2.6cm D4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

6 7 HA 1.8cm D4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

7 7 HA 2.9cm D4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

8 7 HA 2.7cm D4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

9 7 HA 4.1cm D4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

Transect #10

Site Name Gaya 3

Island Bodgaya Island

Transect Depth 10

Date 31/5/16

Start time

1225

Underwater bearing 300

End time

Tides 1.4m (high tide)

GPS point

4° 37' 33.5"N Sea state windy

118° 46' 32.6"E Temperature 28

Ind No Tag No Specie

s Size (cm) Color/ life form Animal/ diseases/etc

1 1 HA 6.2cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

2 2 LR 3.5cm E4/attached N/N

26

3 3 HA 2.4cm B4/white tip/attached

antho N/N

4 3 HA 5.7cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

5 3 HA 1.5cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

6 3 HA 2.4cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

7 3 HA 1.6cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

8 3 HA 1.0cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

9 3 HA 1.9cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

10 3 HA 3.0cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

11 3 HA 2.4cm D3/white tip/attached

antho N/N

27

APPENDIX IV: FINAL RESULTS OF BOTH SPECIES AND ITS SCRIPT (R STUDIO)

28

29

#Hard Corals Mapping in Semporna #Heliofungia Actiniformis install.packages("leaflet") library("leaflet") #Tell R where is the data setwd("C:/Users/gisdpasem/Desktop/R/SMEE/fwdchangethecoordinate/H.ACTINIFORMIS") #read data divesite <- read.csv("H.ACTINIFORMIS.csv", header = TRUE) divesite str(divesite) #leaflet site_map <- leaflet(divesite) %>% addProviderTiles("Esri.NatGeoWorldMap") %>% addCircleMarkers(~x, ~y, radius = 4, color = 'purple') site_map ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ #Hard Corals Mapping in Semporna #26 November 2016 #Lithophyllon Ranjithi install.packages("leaflet") library(leaflet) #Tell R where is the data setwd("C:/Users/gisdpasem/Desktop/R/SMEE/fwdchangethecoordinate/L.RANJITHI") #read data divesite <- read.csv("L.RANJITHI.csv", header = TRUE) divesite str(divesite) #leaflet site_map <- leaflet(divesite) %>% addProviderTiles("Esri.NatGeoWorldMap") %>% addCircleMarkers(~x, ~y, radius = 4, color = 'red') site_map

30

APPENDIX V: COMMUNICATION MATERIALS

Designed t-shirt

Factsheet: CLP Project in Brief

31

Poster 1: Introduction to the Project

32

Poster 1 : Calling for Participation in Green Fins Certification

Poster 2: Targeted Species

33

Poster 3 – Importance of Corals and Impacts of Fish Bombing

Poster 4 – Corals Promises Protein Sources for Our Generation. Lets Protect Coral Reefs Together!

34

Poster 5 – Let’s Protect Coral Reefs Together! Stop Fish Bombing for the Equilibrium in Ocean

Ecosystem

Address links and web links

1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pePkCmbqbFc 2) https://www.facebook.com/hardcoralsmappingsemporna/

Distribution List

1) Conservation Leadership Programme 2) Sabah Parks 3) Scuba Junkie 4) Reef Check Malaysia 5) WWF 6) Green Semporna

=END=