The Reef Ecosystem through my lenses...

The Coral Reef Ecosystem

2008-09-12T22:28:00.003+08:00

This is a short article written on coral reef ecosystem for EKOMAR coffeetable book :).

"Coral reef ecosystem is the most diverse ecosystem in the sea. It is also known as the ‘Oasis’ of the sea or ‘The Rainsforest’ of the sea. The reef ecosystem supports abundance of life and many species thrives in this ecosystem. Although its coverage is small compare to the ocean floor, but its function is overwhelming than its size! The richness and importance of this reef ecosystem has been well documented and shown in various media formats. The most famous and known to all is the BBC documentary ‘The Blue Planet’, the Walt-Disney animation ‘Finding Nemo’ and also by Jacques Cousteau expedition team. Even the famous coral reef ecosystem in Malaysia, Sipadan Island was discovered by Jacques Cousteau himself! Malaysia is in the Coral Hotspot of the world and the number of coral species is more than 300 species. According to Jen Veron, the author of ‘Corals in Space & Time’, the north of Sabah is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’, which housed most of the species in the world and new species is still being discover. Malaysia have 42 islands which has being gazzetted as Marine Parks, and have been placed under governance of newly established Marine Park Department of Malayisa This Department is responsible in safeguarding, and manage the coral reefs from various activities which can degrade the reef ecosystem in Malaysia. Nevertheless, there are still many islands flourished with beautiful coral reefs and submerged coral reef ecosystem which is not a marine park, such as Pulau Jarak, Pulau Perak and the submerge reefs in Malaysian waters of the South China Sea. In 2004, the Ministry of Science, Technology & Inovation (MOSTI) has funded an expedition to explore the wonders of the coral reefs in Malaysia’s submerged reef in the South China Sea. The National University of Malaysia (UKM) in particular researchers from the Ocean Science Programme and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) were given the privilege to contribute to the expedition, of which all of them were overwhelmed by the pristine and richness of the coral reef ecosystem that proudly is in Malaysian waters.

Coral reefs are a source of food and livelihood for at least 100 million people worldwide, support major industries, play a key role in stabilizing coastlines, and their high species and genetic diversity rivals that of tropical rainforest. This biodiversity is now just beginning to be exploited in search for bioactive compounds that could benefit humankind. Prostaglandins, which is a natural product chemicals, contain in gorgonian has a wide range of clinical applications in assisting medical emergencies. Coral reef ascidians or also known as sea squirt, is also known to contain Didemnin B, which is use widely to battle against leukemia, varieties of human tumors, viruses and carcinomas. There are more natural chemical products constantly being discovered from coral reefs, and many more cures to be discovered, which makes them utterly important and should be protected. Coral reefs are also home to many species of reef fishes. It is known that the standing stocks of the coral reef fishes are about 30-40 times greater than standing stocks on demersal fishing grounds in Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, or other temperate regions.

Coral reef ecosystem is consisting of reef building organisms, which are the corals, and many other co-exist organisms that form a complex ecosystem. Corals are the functional group that has contributed significantly to coral reef ecosystems for at least 200 million years ago. They have been known in building the primary structure of entire reefs and islands. Corals is classified as ‘Animal’, which means they are neither rocks nor plants, as it is often perceived by many. They are colonies of coral polyps with naturally embedded with symbiotic algae living in its mesoglea soft tissue providing nutrients by conducting photosynthesis. This algae is known as zooxanthellae, a kind of domain Dinoflagelate (Symbiodinium microadriaticum). The others associated communities of the corals, such as the giant clams, sea cucumber, sponges, sea anemones also plays important role in the ecology of this ecosystems. The molluscs or shells and sponges are the natural filters for the reefs. Their feeding mechanisms, which is filter feeding, helps in maintaining the turbidity of the crystal clear waters of the coral reefs. Sponges also acts like cement, where it bonds the coral structure together which strengthen the coral reef framework. Algae in the reefs helps in recycling nutrients and starfish (Fromia spp) recycle the organic materials found on the sea bed. Sea cucumber acts like a vacuum cleaner, where it feeds on the organic materials on the seafloor. The sea urchin is the gardener of the reefs where it feeds on algae and helps in maintaining the algae from overpopulating the reefs. There are also other non-conspicuous organisms, or also known as cryptic organisms such as the trapeziid crab and the cleaner shrimp which is also plays an important role in the reef ecosystem. The cleaner shrimp, Periclemenes spp., can be found living in between corals, such as Pocillopora and sea anemone such as the magnificient sea anemone, Heteractis magnifica. They helps preen the ‘house’ which they live within and receive foods and protection from it, this relationship is also known as symbiotic relationship. Besides preening, they are also the first defence for corals, such as Pocillopora spp., has against Crown-of-torns (Acanthaster planci). The complexity of the coral reefs ecosystem makes it the ideal place for many marine organisms to thrive and survive. It is essential for everybody, all woks of life, all level of education, to understand the importance of coral reefs, in order for all of us to protect it."

Coral Bleaching

2008-09-12T22:18:00.002+08:00

This is one of the article I wrote for a coffeetable book published by EKOMAR.

"Coral bleaching is now the most significant and widespread threat to coral reefs in the world and it is predicted that with climate change, the frequency and intensity of bleaching will increase. Coral bleaching is a process in which corals are subjected to constant stress and disruption of their symbiotic association, resulting in the loss of their single-celled symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae. The constant stress can be either drastic temperature changes or increased temperature, long exposure to high ultraviolet radiation or even pollution. Zooxanthellae live within the tissues of the corals and supply them with essential nutrients, while in return, the corals provide a suitable habitat for the zooxanthellae to thrive. When corals lose their zooxanthellae, their white skeleton can be clearly seen through the transparent tissues of the polyps, thus making the corals look bleached. However, not all bleached corals are white, there are cases where the corals produce a vivid fluorescent hue, resembling a fluorescent neon light underwater. To some, it is a beautiful sight to behold, but alas for the corals, it is a sign of much stress and eventual death.

Besides coral bleaching due to expulsion of its zooxanthellae, the grazing activities of the ‘Crown-of-torns’ or Acanthasther planci and the Drupella spp. shell also cause the corals to look bleached. The Crown-of-torns is related to the sea urchin, starfish and cushionstar, classified under the Phylum Echinodermata, whereas the Drupella spp. shell belongs to the phylum Mollusca. These corallivores that feed mainly on corals are known to cause devastation in a reef area if their populations explode unchecked. Numerous patches of bleached dead corals indicate their feeding voracious activities, whereby the corals died their calcium carbonate skeletons will be overgrown by algae. Newly grazed corals may also be easily mistaken as coral bleaching, but upon closer inspection, the difference between bleached and grazed corals can be discerned easily. Bleached corals are not necessarily dead, since despite losing their symbiotic algae they are still very much alive and most of the corals will regain their zooxanthellae once they are able to recover and cope with the stress. Bleached corals look extremely clean and somewhat glowing because they are able to actively remove sediment or other particulate matters that descend upon them. In contrast, grazed corals will be colonised by algae with the presence of a thin film or haze of green, brown or yellow.

In Malaysia, mass coral bleaching was first reported in 1998. The coral bleaching issue in Malaysia was still very new then, was little understood and drew scant attention. Subsequent reports on coral bleaching were those of Pulau Payar in 2001 and Pulau Langkawi in 2004, which were published in reefbase of Worldfish Centre. The most recent bleaching occurs in Tioman Island (2008), which has caught the eyes of many scientists and marine park managers in Malaysia. In this situation, the first course of action is to identify the sources of the stress, the extent of the coral area bleached and the best course of action to be taken. There are protocols and methods which have been developed to guide scientists and park managers in facing this epidemic, and most of these protocols are offered free online!"

Sea Anemone of Malaysia's Coral Reef

2008-09-12T21:53:00.003+08:00

This is a short write-up of sea anemone for a poster I made for EKOMAR. Hope all of u enjoy reading it :).

"Sea anemone is a close relative to corals. It is members of the Class Anthozoa within the Phylum Cnidaria. It is one of the known organisms that have very obvious symbiotic activity. It feeds on planktonic plants and organisms, but it gets its important dietary supplement from its symbiotic algaes called zooxanthellae. Besides symbiotic algaes, sea anemone mainly from the genera Heteractis and Stichodactyla; also play hosts to certain damselfish, mainly Amphiprion spp., or commonly known as clown-fish or anemone fish. The fish depends on the sea anemone for habitat purposes and the fish helps preen the tentacles, keeping anemones in a healthy condition. Anemone fish immunes itself from the stinging cells of anemone by a combination of unusual swimming behaviour and special chemicals in the coat of its body. There are 1000 species of sea anemones in the world and only ten species are known to be host to anemone fishes. Out of the ten known host anemone, six of them can be found here in Malaysian waters. It is important to understand the distribution of these organisms as they also have biological and chemical influences to the surrounding ecosystem. Sea anemones have been reported as a limiting factor to the development of reef building corals.
By understand this mechanism, a better management of a reef ecosystem can be proposed. Assessment of the reef health research has been ongoing and many potential organisms, which act as an indicator for physical parameters influence, have been introduced, such as Amphipods, which are sensitive to changes in salinity. Sea anemone can also be used as a potential animal as an indicator organism for UV radiation in the marine environment. This is important in giving an in-situ overview of the UV radiation to the marine environment, as marine organism larvae are susceptible to UV radiation. Sea anemones produce many biologically active polypeptides and proteins, which are a very important tool in neurophysiological and pharmacological researches, as blockers and modulators of K+ and Na+ channels. A green fluorescent protein (GFP) is extracted from Heteractis magnifica, which is used in vivo marker in cellular, development and molecular biology. Sea anemone is a well known organism, which has an obligatory relationship with anemone fishes and damsel fishes. The relationship of anemone fishes with sea anemone is mutualistic. The anemone fishes avoid predation by sheltering within the anemones and individuals of some species vigorously protect the anemone from predators, such as fishes of the families Chaetodontidae and Tetraodontidae, gastropods, asteroids, and sea turtles. The number of Anemone fish enthusiasts has increased ever since the ‘Finding Nemo’ animation movie was shown a few years back. Aquarium shops have seen an increase in anemone fish displays, which means an increase in demand by marine aquarium enthusiasts for anemone fishes. This indirectly can cause a decrease of their abundance in the wild, since poaching of anemone fishes is likely to happen to facilitate the increased demand for them. Sea anemones also have other associate organisms, such as the anemone shrimp from the genus Periclimenes, juvenile butterfly fish of the Chaetodon kleinii, and wrasses of the genus Thalassoma. There is a high number of associate organisms that live with and within the sea anemone. The decrease of sea anemone abundance can link to the decrease of many other organisms associating with them. Although many researches have been conducted on the sea anemone internationally, their distribution in Malaysian waters is still scarcely known."

How to become a marine biologist?

2008-06-20T13:20:00.002+08:00

I have written an article for MSMS Newsletter for the above title mentioned few months back :). It is an introduction to UKM Marine Science Program :D.

"How to become a marine biologist? What are the criteria of becoming a marine biologist? Can we do it in Malaysia?

Ever since finding nemo hits the silverscreen worldwide, many children or even adults is becoming aware of marine biologist as a job prospects. Everybody loves the idea of working in environment like how it was portrayed in ‘National Geographic’ or in ‘Animal Planet’. How we want to be the marine biologist in Jacques Cousteau expedition team to explore the underwater wilderness or becoming part of the ‘Blue Planet’ production team for its second season.

To become a marine biologist, one must at least have a degree in marine science or aquatic science, or equivalent higher degree. And yes, there is such a course in Malaysia. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offer Marine Science degree to whom who is interested to pursue in this field. The marine science programme in UKM was established since 1985 and was based in UKM branch in Sabah. The programme was moved to the main campus in Bangi in 1995-1996. The marine science programme was under the Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences (FSSA) then, but after huge restructuring, the marine science programme was merged with other programmes under one faculty, Faculty of Science & Technology (FST), and it has been producing graduates with Bachelors of Science with Honours in Marine Science, Master in Marine Science and even Ph.D graduates eversince.

As a Marine Science undergraduate in UKM, one will be exposed to the biology, chemistry, physical and also the microbiology world of the marine ecosystem. We in UKM have a number of lecturers cum researchers to teach and supervise research in marine sciences. The research conducted in marine environment in Malaysia is still considered in its infant stage. There are still many questions, especially the basic knowledge of the biodiversity status from the marine microorganisms, marine fauna and flora to the marine mammals of Malaysia which need to be addressed.

As for facilities, we have numerous functioning laboratories which are capable to deal with issue regarding marine toxins, marine pollution and oceanography, so students will not be running out of topic for their final year dissertation. Every year, the whole marine science programme, from 1st year to 3rd year students, post-graduate students, lecturers, research assistants, laboratory assistant…basically everybody will be in one of the island of Malaysia Marine Parks to conduct field classes and research’s. It will be a 7 – 13 days of sleep deprivation and exhaustion period, but a very good exposure of conducting field research as a marine biologist. No matter how tired or exhausted everybody is after the fieldwork, all of them will always remember the fun time they gone through during that learning process, and it will be the favorite topic of the year :).

As for Post-graduate students, all of the lecturers have research grants which need to address various aspects of marine research and UKM have some impressive research laboratories and equipments. We also have a research centre, Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) and it is actively pursuing much research in the area of Johor state marine environment. With the up and coming facilities of EKOMAR in Mersing, more opportunities and research facilities will be available which is indeed good news for everybody, especially to whom need to be close to their research area. For those whom prefer coursework, UKM also offer Master’s degree in Marine Science by coursework. It is a one year course which will be taught by various capable professors & lecturers.

If anybody is interested to know more, please browse through http://www.ocean.ukm.my or email our head of programme at mag@ukm.my and EKOMAR coordinator at carmohd@ukm.my "

Tioman Marine Park Jetty - Part II

2008-04-23T16:52:00.013+08:00

During my one month stay in Tioman Island (19 Mac - 21 April 2008) conducting research, I've also took more photos from the jetty. The place still suprise me every time, i'll let the photos speak for itself :).

Conducting experiment underwater..

2008-04-18T19:53:00.013+08:00

I was in Tioman Island from 19 Mac conducting my Ph.D research and will be going back home in kajang this coming monday, 21st April. During the course of my work, i have logged in 2400++ minutes of dive time, with 3 dives everyday. My first dive is dawn dive, where i need to get some reading from my experiment before sunrise or before the sunlight is strong enough to activate the photosynthesis processes of the corals (by zooxanthellae). The 2nd and 3rd dive is when i need to spent 100 minutes each to conduct an experiment underwater. Fooohh...it sounds tiring, but i can assure you it is beyond exhaustion, physically and mostly mentally. Long dive really gets you mentally, which sometime make you feel so numb and can't process problems faster. Luckily i've bought a ponybottle for my backup air as i dive alone :p...for most of the time. Below is some of the photos whilst i was conducting my research experiment. Most of it were taken by my bro Badrul (same mentor :D) and Abang Manap (Tioman Marine Park Instructor) when they came along for some of the dive :).

This is my research experiment setup. This site is chosen because it is logically sound for me to reach it anytime of the day, and quite far away from other colonies to have and effect from my work.

One of the coral nubbins which is attach on the 'Nubbin Platform' .

Another view of the nubbins on the nubbins platform.

"Do not Disturb" sign which is essential to keep away any curious diver passing by to touch touch (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

"Write...write...write..ehh...where was i???" (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

Setting up the diving PAM before starts of experiment (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

Taking reading using the diving PAM (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

This is how the diving PAM function...(Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

Another view during taking reading using the diving PAM (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

M playing doctor doctor with the corals heheheh...(Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

The photos show how i conduct my experiments underwater using a BIG syringe (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

Top view of my experiment site (Photo: Badrul Huzaimi)

This is taken during one of the dawn dive (Photo: Abd. Manap)

"Misconception of the Sea urchin"

2008-04-17T18:31:00.009+08:00

I have written a short article for EKOMAR-UKM on the above title, below is the writeup for all whom interested to know more about sea urchins :D.

Sea urchins or locally known as ‘landak laut’ is the most conspicuous marine organism in our waters. It is also one of the most feared organisms by many tourists. When one is asked why they fear them, I often get answers, such as, “Its spines looks scary!”, “Afraid it will poke me!”, “Very painful!”, “It is dangerous!”

I agree that the spines of sea urchins could be very painful if one was misfortuned enough to get poked by it, but everybody needs to understand that sea urchins do not actively attack people, or intentionally hurt anyone. One could get hurt only by applying force onto its spine, which is sharp enough to pierce the skin and yet fragile enough to be broken easily. In other words, we can get hurt by sea urchin only if we were not careful enough to get poked by it.

One of the most common species in the reef and intertidal area is Diadema setosum. It is best be distinguished by its long and thin black spines. It also has an eye-like feature with an orange ring, which is actually its anus, and five white-spots on top. I would like to stress that sea urchins DO NOT HAVE EYES, but this is what most people would describe it when they saw one. It is actually the anus, as mentioned earlier. The reason why one felt pain when accidentally touched or stepped onto them is the fact that a sea urchins has a toxin sac at the end of its thin black spine, which is fragile and easily broken off. When a person’s skin is pierced by the spine, the toxin sac is released and would deliver a painful sensation. The level of irritation depends on the sensitivity of an individual, some people feel numbness at the pierced area and some won’t even feel a thing. The broken spine, which is left in the skin will slowly disappear, so there is no need to make an appointment with a surgeon! The immediate remedy for a painful stinging sensation from sea urchins is to pour vinegar on it. If the injury worsened due to allergic reaction, one must seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid more serious after effect.

Sea urchins are viewed as pests by most people, but it is one of the most important citizens of the reef ecosystem. It helps the reef to counter-check populations of the fast-growing of algaes. Algaes are like weed, they grow very fast and if they keep on going, they could overgrow the entire reef and transform the coral reef ecosystem into an algae ecosystem. Sea urchins are herbivores, and their main diet is actually algaes, and they are active grazers. They graze all the time, everywhere! From the shallow waters of rocky areas to the pillars of a jetty. They are the gardeners of the reef and with the help of other herbivore reef fishes, keep the algaes at bay.

All medicines are good for the health if consumed in appropriately small quantity, but could turn poisonous and detrimental to the body if consumed in large quantities. This statement can also be used for sea urchins. If its population size is under control, there would not be any population outbreak, and they become the reef’s best friend, but if they became overwhelmingly plenty in a reef area, they could bring bring negative impact. Sea urchins are active grazers by nature and they graze on almost everything. They have a mouth structure, which is called ‘Aristotle lanterns’, which can break coral skeletons. When food source in an area, which is the algaes is scarce, they tend to feed on coral polyps. The structure of their jaws allows them to break the calcareous skeletons of coral and feeds on the polyps. Although their feeding on corals do not cause as much damage as that made by their relative, the Crown-of-torns (C.O.T) or its species name Acanthaster planci, this kind of feeding could weaken the coral structure, which would leave the corals susceptible to the monsoon. Finally, the next time you saw a sea urchin, please remember not to underestimate its presence and importance to the ecology of a reef ecosystem. One thing for sure, sea urchins do not form a legion to “Attack the humans!!!”

Close-up of the Diadema setosum

Another species of the sea urchins which can also be found in the reef.

Layang-layang Island Expedition 2006

2008-01-21T11:37:00.000+08:00

In 2006, lead by Affendi Yang Amri of Univ. Malaya, I was invited to join an expedition to survey the marine biological resources of Layang-layang Island, Sabah. I went as MSMS scientist. The journey there was not an easy one, Mr. Affendi has overcome many hardships and negotiation to make this expedition a reality. There was many obstacle waiting for us, and one of it was from mother nature. The expedition was nearly canceled due to very rough seas. We took AirAsia flight to labuan where all of us will hitch a ride with the navy to Layang-layang island, so it was their call to go or not to go. But luckily after stranded one day in Labuan, the weather starts to clear and the navy said its a GO. So it took us nearly 9 hours to reach Layang-layang island and by the time we reach there, it was late at night. So we went to bed after settling all our stuffs.

The next morning, we went to unpack all the gears and start planning for the diving. The coolest part of this expedtion was our dive boat, we dive using the navy assault bot! The boat even have an emergency braking system and the pilot was kind enough to demonstrate it to us, it was COOL! Never knew a boat can do that :D. The fisheries research centre in Layang-layang was well equip and has a very good laboratory, so we made ourself a home there hehehhee..We thought all the hardship now was only the working part, but Mr. Murphy decide to pay us a visit and the compressor Univ. Malaysia Sabah brought brokedown and we have no way to refill our dive tanks. So with the super tight budget, Affendi somehow save the day and manage to work things out with the resort :D. After diving for a few days, and experience many interesting events (only the expeditionist know what i meant by interesting :D). It was time for us to go back, so once again, we hitch a ride, but with a cargo transport ship for the navy. It took us nearly 11 hours to reach labuan and there was no bunker :D. So we literally camp on the ship :), check out the photos below & a short video i made...

Short Video

(http://www.ocean.ukm.my/kee/layang/layang_wma.wmv)

Whale Sighting 2006

2008-01-21T11:09:00.000+08:00

On the way back to mainland from POSTIARS II expedition in 2006, we were greeted by a group of whales :). My camera was not powerful enough so i've made a short video of the encounter, please click http://www.ocean.ukm.my/kee/download/whale_sightings.wmv

Tenggol Island 2007 Excursions

2008-01-19T13:43:00.000+08:00

In July 2007, I went to Tenggol Island with my wife, Dr. Norhayati & Jennie (postgraduate student) for a diving excursions organised by Edvin Eng of Ocean Xplorer. Basically we were supposed to get more underwater photos for an exhibition in UKM. But for me, I wanted to learn more of underwater photography technics from my Sifu, Mr. Edvin Eng :D. He was the one whom inspired me to be better in underwater photography because all this time I alwaz thought that to get a good underwater photos, one must need a DSLR set up. Bt he prove me wrong big time with his out of this world shots! (http://www.oceanxplorer.com.my/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9&Itemid=15). He taught us that by adding some add-ons equipment with compact camera, the point & shoot camera can also produce amazing results! The best part was, all the set-up was more cheaper than a DSLR set-up for underwater. So with his guidance and a little tweak here & there..we climbed another level in underwater photography. I'll just let the photos below speak for itselves....

Thanks a million to my Sifu, EDVIN ENG

My wife in action :D

Sifu (the guy in the middle) is showing how he created his magic.

Dugong Autopsy :D (Please be advised, NOT for the faint-hearted)

2008-01-19T13:14:00.000+08:00

One peaceful evening, Affendi called and said "Interested to autopsy dugong hehehehe...?". I said "YES!!!" right away... Apparently there was a dugong carcasses found nearby a beach in Johor. Affendi of Univ. Malaya was involved in Dugong project previously and they got his contact and called him. So with the support of UMMReC & MSMS, they manage to transport the carcass to Univ. Malaya to determine the cause of death. Ms. Jillian Ooi brought out the manual by Dr. Helen Marsh and we follow the manual all the way! We started around 6.30am and finished at 8pm. All of us smelled of rotten flesh and were exhausted from cutting and hacking the dugong's meat and bones. It was a valuable experience for us and we was ask if we will do it again, and all of our answers was "......................"

R.O.S.E.S. Expedition 2004

2008-01-18T16:20:00.000+08:00

Research on The Seas & Islands of the South China Sea or ROSES expedition was organised by Prof. Dr. Zulfigar Yasin of USM to investigate the marine life diversity in the South China Sea. It was a 42 days journey which started from Penang and all the way to Terumbu Peninjau. I was fortunate enough to be invited, along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Che Abd. Rahim to represent Marine Science Prog., UKM. I was more involved with their Diving Research Team. I documented as much reef organisms as i possibly can through photography while helping out in samples collection. There was many submerged reef to be explore, so there was only limited time to be in an area. All the submerged reefs that we dive has amazing crystal clear water! Below are some of the photos of the expedition, i'll let the photos speak for itselves...

One of the elements we need to face while diving in the open sea...the strong current (Check out the bubbles!)

Me & the Captain Mike

The display area of Muka Head Research Station.

The journey was not all the time in lovely weather..

One of the tense moments where we surface from a dive in a very bad weather, our boatmen was very skillful & experience enough to bring us back safely to the vessel. (Rogil, you are the MAN!)

Dr. Che Abd. Rahim with his water samples from South China Sea..

The food galley..food was available 24 hours!!!

Prof. Zulfigar underwater camera equipments..

We were about to accend when a group of manta rays swim pass above us, they were amazing!

The captain and co-captain of the vessel

BBQ night :D

The Allied Commander..

Prof. Dr. Zulfigar & Captain Mike

Reef Macroinvertebrate Fieldguide

2008-01-18T15:16:00.000+08:00

I have compiled a list of coral reef macroinvertebrates species list, with photos of the organisms in its natural environment. All the photos are compilation of monitoring work & expedition that i was involve in :D. I hope it can be of some help to all out there whom is trying to give names to their marine organisms photos that they have :).

Please click this link to go to the website: http://www.ocean.ukm.my/kee/index_files/page0009.htm

POSTIARS expedition 2005 & 2006

2008-01-15T14:01:00.000+08:00

POSTIARS or Post-Tsunami Impact Assessments Reef Survey was intiated by Mr. Affendi Yang Amri of Univ. Malaya in 2005 to look into the damage caused by 2004 Tsunami to the Island nearest to Indian Ocean, which is Pulau Perak. There was two expedition where the first expedition was collaboration between Univ. Malaya Maritime Research Centre (UMMReC), Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences (MSMS) & WWF-Malaysia. During the 1st expedition in 2005, we did survey in Pulau Langkawi at a few site before continue on to Pulau Perak on a small speedboat. We spend a night at the only jetty available before travelling back the next day. One-way journey using a speedboat will take 6-7 hours, so that is why we was required to spend a night, because that part of the sea is very dangerous at night...according to the boatman la :). During the 2nd expedition, Marine Park Malaysia & UKM play a part in the expedition with the participation Marine Park Rangers and a experience diver and the use of UKM's compressor. From the experience of the 1st expedition, we decided to spend more days at Pulau Perak to collect more data and rented a makeshift fishingboat to be temporary live-a-board.

We have seen and experience many hardship during and after the expedition, which has made us more determine to do more. Many has said that there are not much island in the Malacca Straits which is equivalent to Sipadan waters, which i totally disagree after our expedition. The water in Pulau Perak is so crystal clear that i was at 42 meters and still can see the ripple above. The fish are so abundance that grouper are everywhere! The uniqueness of this area is that it is a wall dive all the way. It has the similarity of diving in Sipadan drop-off and if one is not careful, we can be in the depth longer than we suppose to be. At the first expedition, i have a photo of a nudibranch which was suspected of a endemic species of Phi Phi Island, Thailand. But i was not able to collect samples of it during the 2nd expedition. I am hoping that i would have more chances to visit the place again and document more of the macro-invertebrate in that area. Below are some of the photos from both of the expedition :D. (Used Canon Compact camera with underwater housing, but unfortunately haven't started using underwater strobe during this time so photos are so so only :p..)

Curtains of bubbles from divers from the deeper waters

Our accomodation, transport and refuge against all odds!

Our workplace, bunker, dining area, discussion & meeting area :D, it brings new meaning to All-in-One :p

Instant noodles never tasted so good!

Here fishy fishy...

Tioman Marine Park Jetty (Nov 2007)

2008-01-14T15:50:00.000+08:00

I have been spending a lot of my time at the Tioman Marine Park Jetty while conducting my research projects, and discovered that the pillars has more things to offer than anybody thought it would! Most divers will just ignore the pillars and go straight to the shipwrecks which is the main attraction for diving activities there, but here is what i've seen there in November 2007...