The Diversity of Malaysian Seas

PENANG, 25 April: We see documentaries on National Geographic and marvel at the beauty of the marine life in a distant land. Little do we realize that Malaysia is incredibly rich with the same biodiversity as we see in these documentaries. In conjunction with Project Ocean Awareness organized by the Scuba Diving Club of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Zulfigar Yasin, a senior lecturer of School of Biological Sciences as well as a scuba diver of 28 years of experience, was invited to speak on the wonderful diversity of Malaysian waters. He explains that Malaysia is extremely fortunate to be surrounded by the two biggest biodiversity giants, the Indian Ocean (west coast of Malaysia) and the Pacific Ocean (east coast of Malaysia). Large variety of creatures such as the manta ray, whale shark, tiger shark, cauri, flourescent corals, the giant clam (the largest clam in the world and an endangered species) and countless more.

He goes on to explain that in 1995, a team of USM biologist-including himself, was called in by the Johor state government to conserve the last giant clam in our country. Fortunately for giant clams, they are hermaphrodites and can therefore produce both sperms and eggs. 

Prof Yasin showing pictures of the giant clam releasing sperm

The team then went on to collect its gametes to breed more of its kind in the lab. 5 years later, they successfully released 900 healthy baby Giant Clams back into the sea. Prof Yasin says that we Malaysians are so rich, but do not know it and because of that, we are losing it. The very things that make us rich is depleting because of climate change and the indifference of human activity.

Shell of one of the baby giant clams that did not survive

There is still much to explore about these peculiar aquatic animals that live in our waters and much to learn from these amazing creatures. Without us knowing, the marine life of Malaysia is a large part of our heritage that has shaped our culture for many generations. Prof Yasin concluded saying, “If you understand the behaviour of animals under the sea, you realize that there are a lot more ways of doing things that are not familiar to us.” His brief presentation was a real eye-opener to the underrated beauty of Malaysian seas.

The audio of Prof Yasin's talk: https://sites.google.com/site/oceanawarenessmp3/ocean-awareness-mp3-25-april