vkohcs
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![[*]](./images/Mystic2/default_icon.gif) posted on 30-7-2010 at 09:14 |
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Corals on the brink, warns expert
By TEH ENG HOCK
enghock@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: Some 90% of Malaysia’s corals are dead due to global warming, and the reefs may never recover unless the people switch to a greener
lifestyle.
Universiti Sains Malaysia marine biologist Prof Dr Zulfigar Yassin said the lack of coral reefs, which provide a home to many marine species, would
lead to fewer fishes in the ocean and hurt the fishing industry.
Noting that coral life depends on how long it has been exposed to bleaching and its frequency, he said that even with measures to reduce carbon
emission, closure of dive sites and reduced intake of seafood, it would take years for corals to recover.
Eco beauty: A healthy coral reef provides a home to many marine species.
Earlier this week, it was reported that corals in marine parks at Pulau Payar, Pulau Tioman and Pulau Redang had suffered bleaching, leading to the
closure of some dive sites until the end of October.
Dr Zulfigar said bleaching had been occurring since April, spreading from the coast of India to Australia.
“It is definitely due to climate change; it cannot be due to a localised cause as in the case of the BP oil spill,” he said in an interview.
Coral bleaching is most likely to occur when the sea temperature rises above 31 °C for more than two days, making corals appear white, said Dr
Zulfigar.
“Corals are essentially white. The colour comes from the algae living in them. Any stress on the corals, such as temperature (changes), will cause
them to expel the algae.”
Human factor is not the only cause for a bleached coral reef.
Dr Zulfigar said closing down the marine parks would certainly help the corals to recover by reducing additional stress caused by sewage from chalets,
oil and grease from motorboats and abuse by tourists.
“People get upset over the closure (of the marine parks) because they are not aware, educated and sensitised to these issues.”
Some people have suggested transplanting live corals to Malaysia, but Dr Zulfigar said it was not a foolproof solution.
“Firstly, how many will survive? And you are creating a business. A price is placed on the corals.
“After the tsunami, people said it was due to a lack of mangroves. Some started selling mangrove saplings, and others planted them in places which
originally did not have mangroves.”
Prof Zulfigar suggested that Malaysians start changing their lifestyle to prevent climate change. To raise awareness, Prof Zulfigar who heads a panel
of judges in the Eco Earth Awards, said an essay writing competition for youths between 17 and 26 will be held. Participants are to write in English
or Malay on “Global Warming And Its Effects On Malaysia” inless than 800 words, and submit it to ecoearthmalaysia@gmail.com before Aug 20.
A two-day camp awaits the shortlisted 15 participants, who will then have to come up with a five-minute documentary. The top five would join a team of
scientists on a research trip to Aceh, Indonesia.
  
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kentheone
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 10:16 |
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thanks for the interesting article bro..
Keep these corals/fishes responsibly..they belong to the sea..
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stinky
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 13:33 |
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The Dutch government is starting a coral culturing operation. Malaysia government should do so too.
I'll be the first to apply for government grant for my next tank upgrade. 
Established Since: 14 Feb 2007 ... No. of Crashes Since Setup : 3 x KH, 2 x Chiller, 1 x White Spots
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vkohcs
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 15:58 |
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next time want to see coral, not going to diving anymore, just find u guys... 
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tskhor
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 18:08 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by stinky
The Dutch government is starting a coral culturing operation. Malaysia government should do so too.
I'll be the first to apply for government grant for my next tank upgrade. |
i don think malaysia government will put priority on this area. unless something can make profit to them.
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tango
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 18:12 |
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they would if the issue becomes part of a party's election manifesto. 
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bryantleong
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 20:47 |
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i think before the coral out there die habis, we better go collect them back to our tank....right?
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kentheone
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 20:57 |
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haha totally agree with bro tango and bro bryan
Keep these corals/fishes responsibly..they belong to the sea..
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mcjantzen
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| posted on 30-7-2010 at 21:42 |
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Wah...Prof Zulfigar oso being mention in here...wakakaka...
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cbkhoon
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| posted on 31-7-2010 at 17:31 |
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i just back from perhentian/redang island trip yesterday.. redang many coral dead, can see very massive bleaching, perhentian and lang tengah are
minor. even the water does not feel cold as last time. i got some pics on my FB page.
Tank size : 5' x 2.5' x 2'
Lighting (T5) : 1 X 4' Giessemann Purple & 1 X 4' Katana Blue in DIY Lighting hood
(Elbiru T5 E-Ballast)
Lighting (MH) : 250W SE XM 15k
(DE-Lighting E-Ballast)
Chiller : 1hp outdoor compressor + Carel thermostat + Titanium coil
Return pump : Rio20
Wave : 2 X Seio 1100
Skimmer: Aquanaut E60 with Hailee pump
DIY Reactor/filter chambers: Rowacarbon, Rowaphos & Kent Marine NO3 sponge
Dymax CA with ARM media
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stinky
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| posted on 31-7-2010 at 17:49 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by cbkhoon
i got some pics on my FB page. |
So, got a link to your FB photo page?
Established Since: 14 Feb 2007 ... No. of Crashes Since Setup : 3 x KH, 2 x Chiller, 1 x White Spots
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cbkhoon
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| posted on 31-7-2010 at 19:03 |
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facebook.com/cbkhoon
add me then look into redang 2010 album
Tank size : 5' x 2.5' x 2'
Lighting (T5) : 1 X 4' Giessemann Purple & 1 X 4' Katana Blue in DIY Lighting hood
(Elbiru T5 E-Ballast)
Lighting (MH) : 250W SE XM 15k
(DE-Lighting E-Ballast)
Chiller : 1hp outdoor compressor + Carel thermostat + Titanium coil
Return pump : Rio20
Wave : 2 X Seio 1100
Skimmer: Aquanaut E60 with Hailee pump
DIY Reactor/filter chambers: Rowacarbon, Rowaphos & Kent Marine NO3 sponge
Dymax CA with ARM media
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kentheone
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| posted on 1-8-2010 at 11:19 |
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just added you bro..really wanna see those coral pics..
Keep these corals/fishes responsibly..they belong to the sea..
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kentheone
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| posted on 1-8-2010 at 23:22 |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by cbkhoon
facebook.com/cbkhoon
add me then look into redang 2010 album |
thanks for adding bro..btw i just saw the pics from your album..sad to see them bleaching  but you've captured some interesting shots too..some which i didnt manage to see while i was there the last time
Keep these corals/fishes responsibly..they belong to the sea..
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tskhor
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| posted on 2-8-2010 at 09:02 |
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cbkhoon is pro in snorkeling. He visit Redang every year.
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