Park profile and management priorities

Size geomorphology, population

• 35,000 ha, comprising 954 ha of land and 34,046 ha of sea and coral reefs.
• 8 islands: central group are part of an extinct volcano, now inundated by the sea.
• Largest is Bodgaya (795 ha) with 3 peaks between 455 and 360m high.
• Outlying islands are low limestone platforms or sand cays.
• 12 villages; total population 2,061 (1999 census).
• Main occupations fishing, cultivation and seaweed farming.

Coral reef
features

• Total extent of reef front (reef rim) is over 100km and the area of reef is 163 km 2
• Fringing reefs encircle each of the 8 islands. Also two patch reefs (Church Reef and Kapikan) and one bank reef (Mantabuan Bank; with its top at 10m depth).
• Reefs extend from sea-level to about 20m depth in the west and 50m+ in the east.

Coral reef
biodiversity and
noteworthy species

• The site is in a global ‘marine biodiversity hotspot’. Research shows higher species diversity than at any other site in Malaysia .
• Total species recorded includes 544 spp of coral reef fish, 255 spp of hard coral, 70 spp soft coral, 140 spp sponge, 265 spp mollusc, 109 spp echinoderms.
• Several fish, coral and sponge species have a restricted range and have not been recorded from elsewhere in Sabah . Some are new to science.
• Refuge for 7 spp of giant clam (Tridacnidae), including the china clam Hippopusporcellanus (small geographical range and new record for Sabah ).
• Green and hawksbill turtles feed and nest in the area.

Marine conservation and management issues

• Serious over-exploitation of fish and other edible species. Few large fish remain.
• Significant habitat destruction caused by blast fishing.
• Localised damage from crown-of-thorns starfish.
• Coral mortality caused by recent coral bleaching events.
• Threats from land-based pollution from the mainland.
• Poverty and lack of job opportunities drive unsustainable practices.

Overall management goals

• Protect, maintain and enhance biodiversity and the health of the environment.
• Maximise opportunities for economic development and sustainable resource use.
• Ensure local people are involved in, and benefit from, the creation of the park.
• Build community and public awareness about the importance of establishing and maintaining the park.

Zoning scheme

• Zones will be introduced to separate potentially conflicting activities.
• A Pelagic Use/Buffer Zone surrounds the islands and there is a General Use Zone in the more populated western part. Both allow for various sustainable use activities.
• The Sanctuary Zones are no-take, limited use zones which include the lagoon and outer reefs.
• Preservation Zones cover a small percentage of the park and are no-take and no-entry, except for limited monitoring and research.

Permits and
regulations

• Permit needed for entry into the Park, and for all activities and developments.
• Permit conditions and park regulations will be drawn up in consultation with local communities and other stakeholders.
• Effectiveness of permits and regulations will be reviewed at regular intervals.

Activities in the
Park

• Properly managed, sustainable use activities encouraged, including eco-tourism.
• Alternative livelihoods for fishing communities will be developed, so reducing direct pressure on marine resources.
• Low impact mariculture and sea ranching of marine invertebrates (e.g. giant clams, abalone, sea cucumbers) is already being developed.
• Seaweed cultivation will continue in designated areas.

Monitoring and
research

• Research and monitoring programmes (e.g. for coral reefs, forest, resource-use, socio-economic status) will continue and be expanded.
• Objectives will be to provide up-to-date information on the condition of the Park, and the impact of human use and management strategies.

Environmental awareness

• An environmental awareness and education programme will underpin implementation and development of the Park.
• Objectives will be to provide inform and entertain, and to ensure that people are familiar with park regulations and the reasons for them.