Create safe habitats for sea turtles to thrive – Masidi
SEMPORNA: There is a dire need to create safe habitats for sea turtles to thrive and survive from predators and not lose their food supply, said Tourism, Culture and Enviroment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
“Sea turtles are like humans. They also face challenges of global warming. A study has shown that warmer weather pushes ocean creatures like these turtles to find new homes in cooler waters.
“Many of the people may not realize that climate change can move the food source and phytoplankton being the tiny single cell plants that make the base chain of all life in the ocean to thrive in the right condition,” he said.
Masidi’s speech was delivered by his assistant minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming when officially launching the Third Borneo Divers’ Celebration of Sea Turtles 2015 in Mabul here yesterday.
Also present was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Borneo Divers, Datuk Admund Looh.
“Located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, the crystal clear waters of Sabah are abundant with marine life. From the richest diversity of hard and soft corals, colourful sponges, to the huge variety of fish-life and sea turtles to be found amongst our reefs. We are indeed blessed with a plethora of marine biodiversity at our fingertips.
“I believe that is what we are all doing here today. With the generous support of Borneo Divers for three consecutive years, Borneo Divers’ Celebration for sea turtles is devised by devoted and passionate multiagency group of people from all walks of life to embrace, protect and preserve the lives of these wonderful animals,” Masidi pointed out.
“It is particularly encouraging to see this program also encompasses the involvement of both government and voluntary schools here in Mabul island,” he said.
He added getting these young people involved in the event would likewise give it more power to be successful in the future.