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

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