Kota kinabalu: Seagrass and seaweed, two types of marine life often confused for one another, are distinct in both form and function. Seagrass is a flowering plant, while seaweed is a type of algae. Their differences extend beyond biology, impacting their roles within the marine ecosystem. In Sabah, Malaysia’s largest seaweed producer, the commercial value of seaweed is well-known. However, the critical ecological contributions of seagrass are often overlooked.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, seagrass acts as a natural biological filter, clearing water and creating a suitable environment for various marine species. It stabilises sediment, reduces erosion, and provides feeding and nursery grounds for fish. Additionally, seagrass plays a significant role in regulating the nitrogen cycle. On August 21, a visit organised by Yayasan Petronas allowed media members to observe a seagrass replanting project in Kampung Penimbawan, in collaboration with the Bajau Samah community.
The initiative in Sabah is supported by Yayasan Petronas, the Department of Fisheries, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). It combines scientific mapping with community participation and education to protect Malaysia’s seagrass ecosystems and identify potential restoration sites. After a journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kampung Penimbawan, it was evident that seagrass meadows, once lush and teeming with marine life, had greatly diminished, impacting the livelihoods of the Bajau Samah community.
Chairman of the Kampung Penimbawan Village Development and Security Committee, Jaukal Badak, expressed his concerns about the disappearing seagrass and its effect on local turtle populations and fish breeding grounds. The Seagrass Mapping and Community-Based Programme has offered hope by involving Jaukal and local fishermen in protecting and replanting seagrass. For nearly a year, they have received training to restore the seagrass along the Teluk Sulaman coastline.
A research team led by Associate Professor Dr. Ejria Saleh from UMS’s Borneo Marine Research Institute focuses on seagrass mapping and community education. Ejria explained that seagrass is crucial for sustaining marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems. The mapping programme integrates drone technology, satellite imagery, and field dives to document seagrass ecosystems, aiming to establish baseline data and empower local communities through training and conservation activities.
Dr. Wahidatul Husna Zuldin, overseeing seagrass conservation and community engagement, noted that 19 residents have been appointed as ‘seagrass champions’ to monitor and protect the habitats. After a briefing in Kampung Penimbawan, a visit to the mangrove area designated for replanting showcased the community’s commitment to restoring seagrass.
Ejria outlined the criteria for the replanting site, which enjoys strong community support and minimal human interference. The villagers, now skilled in replanting techniques, work diligently alongside scientists to revive the seagrass meadows. The programme has also led to an increase in marine life, providing a positive outcome for the community’s efforts.
The seagrass mapping programme, under the foundation’s environmental sustainability pillar, seeks to advance conservation and strengthen community resilience against climate challenges. Shariah highlighted the importance of education and awareness initiatives, emphasising community involvement in protecting seagrass habitats. The programme not only safeguards the environment but also fosters a sense of stewardship among local communities.