Rapid biodiversity surveys of corals and fish in marine parks offshore from the east coast of peninsula Malaysia

Created 23/06/2025

Updated 23/06/2025

In 2000, a total of 17 sites were surveyed across three marine park areas offshore from the east coast of peninsula Malaysia. Six sites were located in the Pulau Redang Marine Parks, 7 sites were located in the Pulau Tioman Marine Parks and 4 sites were located in the Pulau Tinggi Marine Parks.Sites surveyed included a diverse range of habitats which included sandy areas, walls, overhangs, slopes and shallow reef areas. Corals and fish were identified by direct underwater observation, during two, 60 minute dives at each site. Corals and fish were recorded on a slow ascent from the base of the reef, along a zigzag path to the shallowest part of the reef. In addition, quantitative counts of each fish species were recorded.The primary group of corals surveyed were the zooxanthellate scleractinian corals. In addition, a small number of other coral taxa, which also contribute to the reef matrix were recorded. These include zooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals (Heliopora and Millepora), azooxanthellate scleractinian corals (Tubastrea, and Rhizopsammia) and azooxanthellate non-scleractinian corals (Distichopora). The aim of this component of the project was to document coral and fish biodiversity at the study sites. This research was carried out on behalf of Coral Cay Conservation Ltd, in conjunction with the Marine Parks Section of the Department of Fisheries, Malaysia. Funding was provided by UNDEP-GEF.The aim of this project was to update knowledge gained in previous surveys, the last of which was carried out in 2000. Tasks undertaken were:1. to document biodiversity at the study sites2. to provide data on the health of the coral reefs3. to provide information to expand the initial threats analysis completed during an earlier phase of this project

Files and APIs

Additional Info

Field Value
Title Rapid biodiversity surveys of corals and fish in marine parks offshore from the east coast of peninsula Malaysia
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/720973dc-2b1f-4411-94e8-cc0964e45aa3
Contact Point
Australian Ocean Data Network
reception@aims.gov.au
Reference Period 20/11/2017
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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Data Portal Australian Oceans Data Network

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Australian Oceans Data Network "Rapid biodiversity surveys of corals and fish in marine parks offshore from the east coast of peninsula Malaysia". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://catalogue.aodn.org.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/rapid-biodiversity-surveys-of-corals-and-fish-in-marine-parks-offshore-from-the-east-coast-of-p1