Asajaya, Sarawak – Exemplifying strong community spirit and environmental stewardship, UNIMAS and local coastal communities of Kg. Asajaya Laut have collaborated in a Service Learning Malaysia (SULAM) initiative focused on removing ghost nets from mangrove areas and improving coastal protection structures.
The project leader, Prof. Dr Khairul Adha A. Rahim stated that this event was organized by Aquatic Resource Science and Management Programme, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, UNIMAS for STA2043 Mangrove and Estuarine Ecology and STA3033 Coastal Zone Management courses focusing on cleaning up ghost nets — abandoned, lost or discarded fishing nets that pose significant hazards to marine life and ecosystems. These nets often ensnare and kill marine animals, disrupt habitats and contribute to the degradation of vital coastal environments including hindering mangrove growth and regeneration.
Participants which includes second and third year Aquatic Science students from UNIMAS, local fishermen and volunteers are actively involved in the removal of these hazardous ghost nets from the mangroves. This ecosystem which play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion and providing a habitat for diverse marine species, have been under threat from these abandoned nets.
Dr Ahmad Syafiq Ahmad Nasir, aquatic biologist at Department of Aquatic Science, explained the dual benefits of the program, “By removing ghost nets, we not only save countless marine species but also help to restore the health of our mangrove ecosystems. These efforts are essential in maintaining the natural barriers that protect our coastlines from storm surges and erosion.”
In addition to cleaning up the ghost nets, the program also includes educational hands-on training session on constructing and maintaining coastal protection structures, such as stone revetments and artificial reefs. These structures are designed to reduce wave energy and prevent coastal erosion, providing an additional layer of defense against the impacts of climate change.
Muhammad Khairuzan Rashid, a second year student participating in the program, expressed his enthusiasm, “This program is a fantastic opportunity to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Not only are we making a tangible difference in our local environment, but we’re also gaining invaluable experience in environmental protection and conservation.”
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with local fishermen and volunteers eagerly participating in the initiative. Fishermen, who have firsthand experience with the detrimental effects of ghost nets on their livelihoods, have been instrumental in identifying and removing these hazardous nets. Their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the coastal areas has been invaluable in locating and safely extracting the ghost nets without causing further harm to the environment.
Penghulu Kg. Asajaya Laut, Teruna Mat together with Ketua Kampung, Fathi Daud and JKKK Jasman Samat praised the initiative, stating, “This program is a testament to what we can achieve when the community comes together with a shared goal of protecting our environment. It highlights the importance of awareness and the impactful role that our youth and community members can play in safeguarding our natural resources.”
As the program continues to progress, the organizers are hopeful that it will lead to lasting improvements in both the health of the mangrove ecosystems and the resilience of the coastal areas. The success of this initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that collaborative efforts and service learning can have on our environment.
