Reef Status of Semporna Priority Conservation ... - WWF Malaysia

Reef Status of Semporna Priority Conservation Area
November 2009
Nina Ho
Kenneth Kassem
© Jurgen Freund / WWF-Canon

Reef Status of Semporna Priority Conservation Area
Nina Ho
Kenneth Kassem
WWF-Malaysia
Report Produced Under Project MY0256
Facilitating Collaborative Management of Coral Reefs and Adjacent Ecosystems with
Tourism and Fisheries
i

WWF-Malaysia (PN. No. 777/4)
Sabah Office
Suite 1-6-W11, 6 th Floor
CPS Tower, Ctr. Point Complex
No.1, Jalan Centre Point
88800 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: +60 88 262 420 Fax: +60 88 242 531
E-mail: contactus@wwf.org.my
Copyright ©2009 WWF-Malaysia.
All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
Stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior permission of the copyright owner.
The opinions of the authors articulated in this publication do not
necessarily reflect those of WWF-Malaysia.
First published 2009
Design and layout by Nina Ho and Angela Lim
Suggested citation:
Ho, Nina & Kassem, Kenneth. (2009). Reef Status of Semporna Priority Conservation Area. Kota Kinabalu,
Malaysia: WWF-Malaysia.
Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing – in-Publication Data
Ho, Nina Ann Jin.
Reef Status of Semporna Priority Conservation Area. Kota Kinabalu / Nina Ho Ann Jin, Kenneth Ramsey
Kassem.
Bibliography: p.14
ISBN 978-983-44945-6-8
1. Reef ecology-Conservation-Sabah-Semporna. 2. Reef animals-Conservation-Sabah-Semporna. I. Kassem,
Kenneth Ramsey.
II. Title.
577.789
Printed in Malaysia
ii

Contents
Acronyms……………………………………………………………………………...iv
Acknowledgment……………………………………………………………………...iv
Introduction..................................................................................................................1
Geographic scope.......................................................................................................2
Materials and Methods................................................................................................4
Results ...........................................................................................................................6
Substrate.....................................................................................................................9
Southern reefs ........................................................................................................9
Northern reefs ........................................................................................................9
Invertebrates.............................................................................................................10
Southern reefs ......................................................................................................10
Northern reefs ......................................................................................................10
Fish...........................................................................................................................11
Southern reefs ......................................................................................................11
Northern reefs ......................................................................................................11
Discussion....................................................................................................................12
Reference.....................................................................................................................14
Appendix.....................................................................................................................15
Appendix 1: Map of Semporna PCA Northern Reefs .............................................15
Appendix 2: Map of Semporna PCA Southern Reefs .............................................16
Appendix 3: Map of Semporna PCA Live Coral Cover Category ..........................17
Appendix 4: Semporna PCA Reef Status Summary................................................18
Appendix 5: Table of General Resource Use Category...........................................19
Appendix 6: Table of Average Percentage and Category of Coral Cover ..............20
Appendix 7: Chart of Percentage of Substrate Cover..............................................21
Appendix 8: Table of Number and Density of Targeted Fish ................................22
Appendix 9: Table of Number and Density of Targeted Invertebrates ...................23
Appendix 10: Table of Human Impact Index in Semporna PCA ............................24
iii

Acronyms
GCRMN
GPS
ICRI
PCA
SCUBA
SSME
Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
Global Positioning System
International Coral Reef Initiative
Priority Conservation Area
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion
iv

Acknowledgement
We thank our project donors from WWF-Netherlands, the Hupkes Family in Netherlands,
and the Adessium Foundation. Thanks to Reef Check Malaysia for providing training to
our stakeholders in Semporna PCA. Thanks to all Reef Check surveyors consisting of
professional divemasters from local dive operators and volunteers (Bobby Joanes
Basolius, Richard Usah, Hardy Habirah, Allister Lee, Ron Freddy, Glenn L, Ronny Bin
Lobin, Jessica Mikiu Tiongsoh, Jennifer E. Missi, Andreas K. Stephen, Subuh Yunus @
Stephen, Melvin Mijoh, Lorence J. Laisang, Julia Ng Su Chen, Yusran Maidin, Joseph
Chung, Alex Canumay, Wendy E.Delacruz, Honarius Basil, SF Chong, Daniel Doughty,
Japson Wong, Obata Kenichi) who participated in this survey. Thanks also to Angela
Lim for patiently editing and formatting this report. We also thank Sikula Magupin for
producing informative maps for this report.
v

Introduction
The Semporna district lies at the extreme southeast corner of the east Malaysian state of
Sabah in the Sulawesi Sea. The district waters contain parts of the globally significant
(for biodiversity) Semporna Priority Conservation Area (PCA) of the Sulu-Sulawesi
Marine Ecoregion (SSME). This area lies well within the Coral Triangle and thus is
within the richest areas in the world. Malaysia’s largest concentration of coral reefs is
found here, along with large expanses of mangroves and seagrass beds. The area boasts a
wide diversity of coral reef geomorphology, including a barrier reef formation, fringing
reefs, patch reefs, a pre-atoll, and Sipadan Island, an oceanic seamount.
There is one existing marine protected area in the district which covers 350 km 2 out of
the approximately 7680 km 2 of Semporna PCA. The Tun Sakaran Marine Park contains
8 islands and is the first marine protected area in Malaysia to include local communities
within its boundaries. Sipadan Island’s waters are proposed as a park and the intention to
gazette was published in mid-2009.
The status of the coral reefs in Semporna is largely unsurveyed and unreported to date,
except for areas that have been surveyed by Sabah Parks, the University Malaysia Sabah,
the Marine Conservation Society (UK), and WWF-Malaysia. These have been limited
particularly to Sipadan Island and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
Sipadan Island survey data in 1994 show that live hard coral cover at shallow reefs (5–10
m) was high in all areas (up to 95%). Whereas the mid-depth slope (10–25 m) with the
best coral growth cover was estimated between 25–50% (Wood 1994). The Tun Sakaran
Marine Park had an average percentage of hard coral cover at the reef rim and upper
slope from 11–30% in conclusion of survey and monitoring programmes over a 10-year
period since 1998. (Wood et al. 2008)
Coral reefs form the foundation of the economy in Semporna for local community
fisheries and the tourism industry. Semporna’s fisheries products extracted from coral
reef areas include collection of fish for the regional live reef fish trade and consumption
in local seafood restaurants. The coral reefs of Sipadan and Mabul are increasingly
popular international dive destinations, and interest in dive tourism is expanding
throughout the district.
The Semporna PCA was ranked as globally significant for its high biodiversity and rich
mix of habitat types in a workshop of local and international experts in 2001
(Stakeholders of SSME et al. 2003). It is a priority site for Marine Industry and Tourism
Zone in the Government’s Sabah Development Corridor planning document (State
Government of Sabah 2007). It was included on the “A” list for recommendation for
nomination as a marine natural World Heritage Site (Hillary et al. 2002). As a high
priority site within the SSME, it is also a high priority site in the Coral Triangle Initiative
on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security.
This report documents the first comprehensive survey of the status of coral reefs in
Semporna. The results will be used as baseline data for the monitoring and management
of natural marine resources in Semporna PCA.
1

Geographic scope
Between January 2008 and June 2009, surveys were carried out by WWF-Malaysia
Semporna PCA team, volunteers, and local dive operators. The total reef area of
Semporna PCA is approximately 7,680 km 2 . WWF-Malaysia surveyed 35 sites with 64
transects during this period covering all reef types across the entire Semporna PCA.
The surveys were conducted first on the Southern reefs which form the barrier reef
extending from Roach Reef in the west to Ligitan Reef in the east. These include: Hands
Rock, Darby Bank, Alert Patches, Second Reef, Roach Reef, Friedrich Reef, Horn Reef,
Ezerhzog Reef, Yoshi Point, Mabul, Kapalai, Cust Reef, Ligitan, Denawan and Si Amil.
(Appendix 1)
The remaining reefs are grouped as the Northern reefs and include Batuara Reef, Bumbum,
Pasalat Reef, Boheyan, Timba-timba, Mataking, Pulau Pandanan, Pom-pom,
Timbun Mata and Batik. (Appendix 2)
The reefs of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Sipadan Island were not surveyed under
this project.
2

Map 1: Semporna Priority Conservation Area
3

Materials and Methods
Reef Check monitoring protocols were employed for all monitoring activities. Reef
Check monitoring protocols are designed to assess baseline reef status and monitor the
reef status periodically. The methods focus on the abundance of particular coral reef
organisms (indicators) that best reflect the condition of the ecosystem and that are easily
recognizable to the general public. This method is designed to be accessible to beginners
and amateurs yet provides a regionally consistent data set which has biological
significance. Global and regional indicators serve as specific measures of human impacts
on coral reefs (Hodgson 2006). Reef Check, a partner of the International Coral Reef
Initiative (ICRI) and Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN), supplies data to
Reef Base and GCRMN for status reports (Hodgson & Liebeler 2002).
Surveys are conducted with at least 1 pair of divers doing a full Reef Check survey in one
single site. However, 2 pairs of divers are preferred to complete a single Reef Check
survey in 1 single dive; 1 pair of divers conduct the survey in shallow depth, another pair
of divers will conduct the survey at a mid-water depth. Standard SCUBA equipment is
utilised for all surveys. Additionally, WWF-Malaysia uses underwater slate, waterproof
paper with printed data sheet, pencil, eraser, pointer, 100m fibreglass measuring tape,
GARMIN GPS and Semporna Waters Marine Chart.
At each site a description of environmental conditions and ratings of human impacts are
collected along with fish indicators, invertebrate indicators and substrate. First, fish
counts up to 5 m above a 20 m by 5 m belt along a 100 m transect are counted, after the
laying of the transect. Next, invertebrates are counted over four 20 m x 5 m belts along
the 100 m transect and human impacts are documented. Lastly, a measure of the
percentage of the substrate cover along four 20 m sections of a 100 m transect is
collected. All human impact classifications are based on the regional categories of
resource use and substrate. Human impact classifications include documenting evidence
of blast fishing, boat and anchor damage, fishing gear, and other damages.
Live coral cover is classified according to Table 1.
Category Live Coral Cover (%) Coral Cover Conditions
1 0 – 24.9 Poor
2 25 – 49.9 Fair
3 50 – 74.9 Good
4 75 – 100 Excellent
Table 1: Coral cover category with percentage and conditions.
4

The surveys are usually done along two depth contours. Shallow surveys range from 2 –
6 m depth below chart datum (lowest low tide) and mid-water surveys range from 6 – 12
m depth. The transects are laid at a constant depth within these ranges (Hodgson 2006).
(Figure 1)
100 m
1 2 3 4
5 m
20 m 5 m
20 m 5 m
20 m
5 m
20 m
Figure 1: Diagram of a transect line. This 100 m line is divided into four 20 m segments with a 5
m gap in between them to ensure sample independence.
5

Results
Based on the live coral cover category level (Table 1), 11 sites are in poor condition
within 0–24.9% live coral cover, 17 sites are in fair condition with 25–49.9% live coral
cover, 7 sites in good condition with 50–74.9% live coral cover, and none of the surveyed
sites are in excellent condition (Chart 1). However, there have been known sites with live
coral cover percentage of more than 95% in Sipadan (Wood 1994).
Number of surveyed site
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0-24.9% 25-49.9% 50-74.9% 75-100%
Live coral cover percentage
Chart 1: Frequency of live coral cover percentage in Semporna PCA.
On the overall coral reefs in Semporna PCA have an average of 35.66% live coral cover.
Rubble is the second highest of substrate cover percentage with average of 21%, followed
by rock (18%) and sand (14%) (Chart 2).
Silt
2%
Other
2%
Sand
14%
Hard Coral
25%
Rubble
21%
Soft Coral
10%
Rock
18% Sponge
2%
Recent Killed
Coral
1%
Nutrient
Indicator Algae
5%
Chart 2: Average substrate cover percentage of Semporna PCA surveyed sites.
6

Very few invertebrate indicator species were observed during the surveys. The vast
majority of observed invertebrates were Diadema sea urchins. (Chart 3)
Crown-of-Thrown,
0.25%
Sea Cucumber,
0.14%
Collector Urchin,
0.19%
Pencil Urchin, 0.09%
Giant Clam, 1.08%
Triton, 0.19%
Lobster, 0.16%
Banded Coral
Shrimp, 0.34%
Diadema Urchins,
97.56%
Chart 3: Total frequency of invertebrate indicator species in all survey sites.
Dominant indicator fish species observed on reefs were butterfly fish (Chaetodontidae)
34%, snapper (Lutjanidae) 30%, parrotfish (Scaridae) 18% and sweetlips (Haemulidae)
10%.
Parrotfish, 18.31%
Bumphead Parrotfish,
2.59%
Humphead Wrasse,
0.00%
Grouper, 3.71%
Barramudi Cod, 0.04%
Moray Eel, 0.69%
Butterfly fish, 34.08%
Snapper, 30.59%
Sweetlips, 10.00%
Chart 4: Total frequency of indicator fish in all survey sites.
7

In general, Semporna coral reefs are highly impacted from blast fishing and boat or
anchor damage in some of the surveyed sites. Other damages and fish nets are the second
highest impact factors with medium impacts. Trash is the least impact factor to the reefs
in Semporna compared to the other factors mentioned above. (Chart 5)
Percentage (%)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Boat / Anchor Blast Other damage Fish net Trash
Type of Human Impact
None
Less
Medium
High
Chart 5: Percentage of Human Impact in Semporna PCA.
8

Substrate
Charts 6 and 7 show the live coral cover for hard and soft corals on Southern and
Northern reefs respectively. Southern reefs have more soft coral cover than Northern
reefs, but both regions have similar live hard coral cover.
Southern reefs
Mean percentage (%)
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Hard Coral
Soft Coral
Hand Rock
Darby Bank
A lert P atches 1
A lert P atches 2
A lert P atches 3
Second Reef
Mid Rock, Roach Reef
Erzherzog Reef
Friedrich Heaven 1
Yoshi Point 2
Yoshi Point 1
Paradise 2, Mabul
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai
Cust Reef
Ligitan 5
Ligitan 4
Ligitan 1
Ligitan 2
Ligitan 3
Denawan 1
Second Beach, Si Amil
Third Beach, Si Amil
Site Name
Chart 6: Live coral cover percentage distribution by site of Southern islands in Semporna PCA.
Northern reefs
Mean p ercentag e (% )
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Hard Coral
Soft Coral
Palang-palang, Bum-bum
Pasalat Reef
Baturua Reef
Macro Mania, Batuara
Reef
Kulapuan
Pygmy Point, Boheyan
Jalan-jalan, T im ba-tim ba
H o u s e R e e f, M a ta k in g
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan
Pom-pom 1
Larapan
Timbun-Mata
Batik
Site Name
Chart 7: Live coral cover percentage distribution by site of Northern islands in Semporna PCA.
9

Invertebrates
Total invertebrate densities on Southern and Northern reefs are shown in Charts 8 and 9.
The majority of invertebrate indicator species recorded were Diadema sea urchins on all
reefs.
Southern reefs
Density of targeted invertebrate / m 2
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Hand Rock
Darby Bank
Alert Patches 1
Alert Patches 2
Alert Patches 3
Second Reef
Mid Rock, Roach Reef
Erzherzog Reef
Friedrich Heaven 1
Yoshi Point 2
Yoshi Point 1
Paradise 2, Mabul
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai
Cust Reef
Ligitan 5
Ligitan 4
Ligitan 1
Ligitan 2
Ligitan 3
Denawan 1
Second Beach, Si Amil
Third Beach, Si Amil
Site
Chart 8: Density of targeted invertebrate / m² of Southern islands in Semporna PCA
Northern reefs
3
Density of targeted invertebrate / m 2
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Palang-palang
Pasalat Reef
Baturua Reef
Macro Mania,
Batuara Reef
Kulapuan
Pygmy Point,
Boheyan
Jalan-jalan,
Timba-timba
House Reef,
Mataking
Treasure Hunt,
Pandanan
Pom-pom 1
Larapan
Timbun Mata
Batik
Site
Chart 9: Density of targeted invertebrate / m² of Northern islands in Semporna PCA
10

Fish
Total fish densities along transects on Southern and Northern reefs are shown in charts 10
and 11 respectively. Fish are dominated by butterfly fish and snappers. (Charts 10 and
11)
Southern reefs
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Hand Rock
Darby Bank
A lert P atches 1
A lert P atches 2
A lert P atches 3
Second Reef
Mid Rock, Roach Reef
Mid Rock, Roach Reef
Erzherzog Reef
Friedrich Heaven 1
Yoshi Point 2
Yoshi Point 1
Paradise 2, Mabul
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai
Cust Reef
Ligitan 5
Ligitan 4
Ligitan 1
Ligitan 2
Ligitan 3
Denawan 1
Second Beach, Si Amil
Density targeted fishes / m 2
Third Beach, Si Amil
Site
Chart 10: Density of targeted fish / m² of Southern islands in Semporna PCA
Northern reefs
1
Density targeted fishes / m 2
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Palangpalang
Pasalat Reef
Baturua Reef
Macro
Mania,
Batuara Reef
Kulapuan
Pygmy Point,
Boheyan
Jalan-jalan,
Timba-timba
House Reef,
Mataking
Treasure
Hunt,
Pandanan
Pom-pom 1
Larapan
Timbun Mata
Batik
Site
Chart 11: Density of targeted fish / m² of Northern reefs in Semporna PCA
11

Discussion
In general, the surveys indicate that most of the reefs are over-exploited and stressed by
fishing activities. The reefs of the Southern and Northern islands have similar hard coral
cover. There are no reefs with coral cover which falls in the excellent category, and the
majority of surveyed reefs fall in the poor and fair categories with less than 50% hard
coral cover. This can be partly attributed to potentially low natural coral cover or is
indicative of human impacts on the reefs.
Important observations from some of the indicator species merit special attention. There
was no humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) observed during the surveys. The sole
populations of humphead wrasse in Semporna are found on the reefs of Sipadan which
are protected from fishing and destructive fishing practices by the presence of Sabah
Parks and divers. Additionally, very few grouper (Serranidae) were observed during the
surveys. These results indicate overfishing of these commercially and ecologically
important species.
During the invertebrate observations, it was found that 99% of all invertebrates were
Diadema sea urchins. Diadema are also concentrated on some reefs and largely absent on
others. This can indicate pressures on those reefs that promote Diadema populations or a
lack of natural predators.
Some areas in Semporna benefit from de facto local based management protection
systems such as those enforced by dive resorts. The reefs around Mabul appear, from
anecdotal evidence, to be recovering from years of blast fishing. The resorts on Mabul
have been limiting bomb fishing for many years, and engaging in conservation and coral
replanting activities. However, the anthropogenic pressure on the reefs has shifted from
fishing activities to tourism activities which can lead to other stresses such as pollution
and reef damage caused by negligent divers and snorkelers.
Based on the comparison of recent and previous surveys, there appears to be some
possible improvement in the condition of the reefs in some areas. For example, average
coral cover in Ligitan Island was 18.7% before (Pilcher & Cabanban 2000), and the
recent survey of Ligitan reefs showed that average coral cover has slight increased to
20%. Likewise, average coral cover in Mabul Island increased from 15.8% (Pilcher &
Cabanban 2000) to 17.6 % (Aw 2007). Besides this, Kapalai Island with its resort that
started operating since February 1998 has significant improvement of coral cover from
17.9% to 27% (Pilcher & Cabanban 2000). The improvement in condition of reefs can be
expected in some areas due to the conservation efforts from the tourism sector. The
conditions of reefs will further improve if more management efforts are implemented and
existing regulations are better enforced.
Semporna requires regular monitoring of all reef areas to inform management decisions.
Monitoring should be done collaboratively with responsible management agencies, the
tourism sector and local communities to follow the common vision for Semporna and to
promote an interest in managing Semporna’s marine resources for sustainability. This
first report provides a baseline for future monitoring and tracking of resource trends in
the area.
12

To enhance the conservation of coral reefs in Semporna PCA, WWF-Malaysia’s projects
will emphasize a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach, including government agencies,
dive and tour operators, enforcement agencies, academia, NGOs, and local communities
to strengthen the monitoring, patrolling and enforcement of management on coral reefs.
In addition, WWF-Malaysia will continue to cultivate and increase awareness about the
importance of coral reefs for livelihoods among the general public, private sector,
management agencies and tourists.
13

References
Aw, Soo Ling. (2007). Master’s Thesis: Ecological Impacts of Marine Ecotourism on
Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia. University Malaysia Sabah.
Burke, L., Selig, E. & Spalding M. (2002). Reefs at Risk in South East Asia. World
Resources Institute. 72pp
Hodgson, G., Hill, J., Kiene, W., L. Maun, , J. Mihaly, , J. Liebeler, , C. Shuman,
& R. Torres, (2006). Reef Check Instruction Manual: A Guide to Reef Check Coral
Reef Monitoring. Reef Check Foundation, Pacific Palisades, California, USA
Hodgson, G. and Liebeler, J. (2002). The Global Coral Reef Crisis: Trends and
Solutions. Reef Check Foundation. Retrieved September 5, 2009, from Reef
Check Foundation.
http://www.reefcheck.org/about_RC_Reef/The_Global_Coral_Reef_Crisis_Trends
and_Solutions.php
Hillary, A., Kokkonen, M. & Max, L. (Eds.). (2002). Proceedings of the World Heritage
Marine Biodiversity Workshop. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved Oct
27, 2009, from UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
http://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_wh_papers_04_en.pdf
Goh, L., Milling, S., Eady, D., Batten, P. & Rogers, D. (1997). Mabul Reef Study: An
Imperial College Underwater Club Expedition. The Royal Geographic Society.
Pilcher, N. & Cabanban, A.S. (2000) The status of coral reefs in Eastern Malaysia. In
Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000, ed. Wilkinson, C. Australian Institute of
Marine Science, Townsville.
State Government of Sabah. (2007). Sabah Development Corridor Socio-economic
Blueprint 2008–2025: Harnessing Unity in Diversity for Wealth Creation and
Social Well-being. Chapter 7: Conserve and Protect the Environment for Future
Generations.
Stakeholders of the SSME, Technical Working Groups of Indonesia, Malaysia and the
Philippines, and the WWF-SSME Conservation Programme Team. (2003).
Conservation Plan for the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion.
Wood, E., George, D., Dipper, F., Lane, D. & Wood, C. (1993). Pulau Sipadan: Meeting
the Challenge of Conservation. WWF Project Number MYS 233/92. WWF-
Malaysia.
Wood, E. (Ed) (1994). Pulau Sipadan: Reef Life and Ecology. WWF Project Number
MYS 233/92. WWF-Malaysia.
Wood, E., Dipper, F., Angkaji, A., Brunt, H. & Mustapa, I. (2008). Ten years of survey
and monitoring in the Semporna islands – What is it telling us? SIDP Symposium
Status and Management of Coral Reefs in Sabah.
14

Appendix
Appendix 1: Map of Semporna PCA Northern Reefs
15

Appendix 2: Map of Semporna PCA Southern Reefs
16

Appendix 3: Map of Semporna PCA Live Coral Cover Category
17

Appendix 4: Semporna PCA Reef Status Summary
Site Name
Latitude (degree)
Latitude (minutes)
Longitude (degree)
Longitude (minutes)
Live Coral cover
Condition
Human impact index
Paradise 2, Mabul 4 14.956 118 37.889 Fair High
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai 4 12.615 118 40.797 Fair High
Mid Rock, Roach Reef 4 10.673 118 18.440 Poor Medium
Hand Rock 4 8.455 118 10.792 Poor Less
Yoshi Point 2 4 14.193 118 33.190 Fair High
Ligitan 1 4 9.728 118 52.335 Poor Less
Ligitan 2 4 9.298 118 53.923 Poor Less
Ligitan 3 4 11.513 118 54.040 Poor Less
Ligitan 4 4 11.038 118 51.773 Poor Less
Ligitan 5 4 12.380 118 47.088 Poor Less
Second Beach, Si Amil 4 18.801 118 52.574 Poor Less
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan 4 34.750 118 55.222 Poor High
Macro Mania, Batuara Reef 4 32.722 118 49.547 Fair None
House Reef, Mataking 4 34.797 118 56.782 Poor High
Pom-pom 1 4 35.515 118 51.678 Poor Medium
Second Reef 4 10.533 118 17.973 Fair High
Alert Patches 1 4 8.364 118 14.039 Fair Medium
Alert Patches 3 4 9.808 118 16.511 Fair High
Erzherzog Reef 4 14.278 118 23.219 Fair Medium
Friedrich Heaven 1 4 14.363 118 26.011 Fair Medium
Third Beach, Si Amil 4 18.965 118 52.508 Fair Medium
Pygmy Point, Boheyan 4 28.405 118 56.762 Fair Medium
Jalan-jalan, Timba-timba 4 32.960 118 55.750 Fair Medium
Darby Bank 4 6.751 118 13.504 Good High
Alert Patches 2 4 9.139 118 15.451 Good Medium
Yoshi Point 1 4 15.307 118 32.028 Good High
Pasalat Reef 4 30.851 118 43.580 Fair None
Palang-palang, Bum-bum 4 26.684 118 45.309 Fair Less
Denawan 1 4 18.025 118 50.440 Fair Less
Cust Reef 4 17.226 118 43.520 Good Less
Kulapuan 4 31.238 118 48.338 Fair Less
Baturua Reef 4 31.263 118 48.287 Fair Less
Larapan 4 33.599 118 36.900 Good Medium
Timbun-Mata 4 43.242 118 27.984 Good Less
Batik 4 43.242 118 27.984 Good Less
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
18

Appendix 5: Table of General Resource Use Category in Semporna PCA
Sites
General Resource Use Category
Fishing activity
Recreational activity
None Low Medium High None Low Medium High
Hand Rock X X
Darby Bank X X
Alert Patches 1 X X
Alert Patches 2 X X
Alert Patches 3 X X
Second Reef X X
Mid Rock, Roach Reef X X
Erzherzog Reef X X
Friedrich Heaven 1 X X
Yoshi Point 2 X X
Yoshi Point 1 X X
Paradise 2, Mabul X X
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai X X
Cust Reef X X
Ligitan 5 X X
Ligitan 4 X X
Ligitan 1 X X
Ligitan 2 X X
Ligitan 3 X X
Denawan 1 X X
Second Beach, Si Amil X X
Third Beach, Si Amil X X
Palang-palang, Bum-bum X X
Pasalat Reef X X
Baturua Reef X X
Macro Mania, Batuara Reef X X
Kulapuan X X
Pygmy Point, Boheyan X X
Jalan-jalan, Timba-timba X X
House Reef, Mataking X X
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan X X
Pom-pom 1 X X
Larapan X X
Timbun-Mata X X
Batik X X
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
19

Appendix 6: Table of Average Percentage and Category of Coral Cover in
Semporna PCA
Site Name
Latitude (degree)
Latitude (minutes)
Longitude (degree)
Longitude (minutes)
Hard Coral (%)
Soft Coral (%)
Live coral cover (%)
Category
Hand Rock 4 8.455 118 10.792 15 0.625 15.625 1
Darby Bank 4 6.751 118 13.504 23.75 46.25 70 3
Alert Patches 1 4 8.364 118 14.039 45 1.875 46.875 2
Alert Patches 2 4 9.139 118 15.451 55.625 2.5 58.125 3
Alert Patches 3 4 9.808 118 16.511 37.5 11.875 49.375 2
Second Reef 4 10.533 118 17.973 25.625 18.75 44.375 2
Mid Rock, Roach Reef 4 10.673 118 18.440 18.75 5.625 24.375 1
Erzherzog Reef 4 14.278 118 23.219 31.438 15.937 47.375 2
Friedrich Heaven 1 4 14.363 118 26.011 35.305 14.375 49.68 2
Yoshi Point 2 4 14.193 118 33.190 16.125 10.75 26.875 2
Yoshi Point 1 4 15.307 118 32.028 31.875 21.25 53.125 3
Paradise 2, Mabul 4 14.956 118 37.889 27.5 1.875 29.375 2
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai 4 12.615 118 40.797 15.938 10.625 26.563 2
Cust Reef 4 17.226 118 43.52 16.875 46.5625 63.4375 3
Ligitan 5 4 12.380 118 47.088 18.438 1.875 20.313 1
Ligitan 4 4 11.038 118 51.773 23.438 0.625 24.063 1
Ligitan 1 4 9.728 118 52.335 15.625 7.187 22.812 1
Ligitan 2 4 9.298 118 53.923 6.25 4.687 10.937 1
Ligitan 3 4 11.513 118 54.040 9.688 10 19.688 1
Denawan 1 4 18.025 118 50.44 32.5 11.25 43.75 2
Second Beach, Si Amil 4 18.801 118 52.574 10.625 11.25 21.875 1
Third Beach, Si Amil 4 18.965 118 52.508 19.375 18.75 38.125 2
Palang-palang, Bum-bum 4 26.684 118 45.309 22.8125 6.875 29.6875 2
Pasalat Reef 4 30.851 118 43.58 35 1.25 36.25 2
Baturua Reef 4 31.263 118 48.287 30.625 6.25 36.875 2
Macro Mania, Batuara Reef 4 32.722 118 49.547 13.438 14.687 28.125 2
Kulapuan 4 31.238 118 48.338 33.125 1.25 34.375 2
Pygmy Point, Boheyan 4 28.405 118 56.762 27.5 16.562 44.062 2
Jalan-jalan, Timba-timba 4 32.960 118 55.750 38.75 3.437 42.187 2
House Reef, Mataking 4 34.797 118 56.782 15.938 1.25 17.188 1
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan 4 34.750 118 55.222 10.938 0.312 11.25 1
Pom-pom 1 4 35.515 118 51.678 3.75 12.5 16.25 1
Larapan 4 33.599 118 36.9 60 0.625 60.625 3
Timbun-Mata 4 43.242 118 27.984 41.5625 18.125 59.6875 3
Batik 4 43.242 118 27.984 60.9375 1.25 62.1875 3
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
20

Appendix 7: Chart of Percentage of Substrate Cover in Semporna PCA
Tim bun M ata (10m )
Tim bun M ata (5m )
Larapan (10m )
Larapan (5m )
Pom -pom 1 (10m )
Pom -pom 1 (5m )
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan (10m )
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan (5m )
House Reef, M ataking (10m )
House Reef, M ataking (5m )
Jalan-jalan, Tim ba-tim ba (10m )
Jalan-jalan, Tim ba-tim ba (5m )
Pygm y Point, Boheyan (10m )
Pygm y Point, Boheyan (5m )
Kulapuan (10m )
Kulapuan (5m )
M acro M ania, Batuara Reef (10m )
M acro M ania, Batuara Reef (5m )
Baturua Reef (10m )
Baturua Reef (5m )
Pasalat Reef (10m )
Pasalat Reef (5m )
Palang-palang (10m )
Palang-palang (5m )
Third Beach, Si Am il (10m )
Third Beach, Si Am il (5m )
Second Beach, Si Am il (10m )
Second Beach, Si Am il (5m )
Denawan 1 (10m )
Denawan 1 (5m )
Ligitan 3 (10m )
Ligitan 3 (5m )
Ligitan 2 (10m )
Ligitan 2 (5m )
Ligitan 1 (10m )
Ligitan 1 (5m )
Ligitan 4 (10m )
Ligitan 4 (5m )
Ligitan 5 (10m )
Ligitan 5 (5m )
Cust Reef (10m )
Cust Reef (5m)
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai (10m )
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai (5m )
Paradise 2, M abul (10m )
Paradise 2, M abul (5m )
Y os hi P oint 1 (8m )
Y os hi P oint 1 (5m )
Y os hi P oint 2 (11m )
Y os hi P oint 2 (5m )
Freidrich Heaven 1 (10m )
Friedrich Heaven 1 (5m )
Erzherzog Reef (10m )
Erzherzog Reef (5m )
M id Rock, Roach Reef (10m )
M id Rock, Roach Reef (5m )
Second Reef (5m )
Alert Patches 3 (11m )
Alert Patches 2 (15m )
Alert Patches 1(15m )
Darby Bank (12m )
Hand Rock (5m )
Site
100%
Hard Coral (%) Soft Coral (%) Recent Killed Coral (%) Nutrient Indicator Algae (% ) Sponge (%) Rock (%) Rubble (% ) Sand (%) Silt (% ) Other (%)
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Percentage
21

Appendix 8: Table of Number and Density of Targeted Fishes in Semporna PCA
Site Name
Latitude (degree)
Latitude (minutes)
Longitude (degree)
Longitude (minutes)
Butterfly fish
Sweetlips
Snapper
Barramudi Cod
Grouper
Humphead Wrasse
Bumphead
Parrotfish
Parrotfish
Moray Eel
Total targeted fishes
Density targeted fish
/ m²
Hand Rock 4 8.455 118 10.792 5 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 12 0.03
Darby Bank 4 6.751 118 13.504 18 0 11 0 1 0 0 1 0 31 0.0775
Alert Patches 1 4 8.364 118 14.039 33 0 8 0 2 0 0 11 0 54 0.135
Alert Patches 2 4 9.139 118 15.451 41 0 146 0 1 0 0 17 0 205 0.5125
Alert Patches 3 4 9.808 118 16.511 13 1 2 0 0 0 0 6 0 22 0.055
Second Reef 4 10.533 118 17.973 16 3 6 0 6 0 2 5 0 38 0.095
Mid Rock, Roach
Reef 4 10.673 118 18.440 24 0 3 0 5 0 1 11 0 44 0.11
Erzherzog Reef 4 14.278 118 23.219 18 1 7 0 2 0 0 3 0 31 0.0775
Friedrich Heaven
1 4 14.363 118 26.011 27 1 58 0 4 0 0 11 0 101 0.2525
Yoshi Point 2 4 14.193 118 33.190 34 0 32 0 2 0 0 9 0 77 0.1925
Yoshi Point 1 4 15.307 118 32.028 53 1 1 0 2 0 0 9 0 66 0.165
Paradise 2, Mabul 4 14.956 118 37.889 34 3 284 0 2 0 0 21 0 344 0.86
Kapalai Rock,
Kapalai 4 12.615 118 40.797 66 3 17 0 7 0 0 8 0 101 0.2525
Cust Reef 4 17.226 118 43.52 0 32 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 44 0.11
Ligitan 5 4 12.380 118 47.088 30 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 1 41 0.1025
Ligitan 4 4 11.038 118 51.773 59 2 16 0 5 0 0 22 0 104 0.26
Ligitan 1 4 9.728 118 52.335 48 1 9 0 0 0 0 21 2 81 0.2025
Ligitan 2 4 9.298 118 53.923 21 0 17 0 2 0 0 4 1 45 0.1125
Ligitan 3 4 11.513 118 54.040 31 7 22 0 1 0 0 9 2 72 0.18
Denawan 1 4 18.025 118 50.44 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0.01
Second Beach, Si
Amil 4 18.801 118 52.574 19 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 3 38 0.095
Third Beach, Si
Amil 4 18.965 118 52.508 54 2 14 0 2 0 0 4 0 76 0.19
Palang-palang 4 26.684 118 45.309 2 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0.0225
Pasalat Reef 4 30.851 118 43.58 0 6 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 10 0.025
Baturua Reef 4 31.263 118 48.287 0 8 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 9 0.0225
Macro Mania,
Batuara Reef 4 32.722 118 49.547 9 2 3 0 0 0 0 11 0 25 0.0625
Kulapuan 4 31.238 118 48.338 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0.02
Pygmy Point,
Boheyan 4 28.405 118 56.762 16 3 17 0 5 0 0 110 1 152 0.38
Jalan-jalan,
Timba-timba 4 32.960 118 55.750 23 8 10 0 4 0 0 27 4 76 0.19
House Reef,
Mataking 4 34.797 118 56.782 23 7 11 0 12 0 1 29 2 85 0.2125
Treasure Hunt,
Pandanan 4 34.750 118 55.222 31 0 5 0 2 0 0 29 0 67 0.1675
Pom-pom 1 4 35.515 118 51.678 27 0 5 0 5 0 0 28 0 65 0.1625
Larapan 4 33.599 118 36.9 0 92 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 100 0.25
Timbun Mata 4 43.242 118 27.984 2 20 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 31 0.0775
Batik 4 28.074 118 35.47 1 12 0 1 0 0 18 0 0 32 0.08
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
22

Appendix 9: Table of Number and Density of Targeted Invertebrate in Semporna PCA.
Site Name
Latitude (degree)
Latitude (minutes)
Longitude (degree)
Longitude (minutes)
Banded Coral Shrimp
Diadema Urchins
Pencil Urchin
Collector Urchin
Sea Cucumber
Crown-of-Thrown
Giant Clam
Triton
Lobster
Total targeted
invertebrate
Density of targeted
invertebrate / m²
Hand Rock 4 8.455 118 10.792 0 18 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 22 0.055
Darby Bank 4 6.751 118 13.504 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alert Patches 1 4 8.364 118 14.039 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alert Patches 2 4 9.139 118 15.451 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Alert Patches 3 4 9.808 118 16.511 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Second Reef 4 10.533 118 17.973 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mid Rock,
Roach Reef 4 10.673 118 18.44 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0.005
Erzherzog Reef 4 14.278 118 23.219 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 6 0.015
Friedrich
Heaven 1 4 14.363 118 26.011 0 63 0 0 0 0 0 0 63 0.1575
Yoshi Point 2 4 14.193 118 33.19 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0.0375
Yoshi Point 1 4 15.307 118 32.028 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0025
Paradise 2,
Mabul 4 14.956 118 37.889 0 423 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 429 1.0725
Kapalai Rock,
Kapalai 4 12.615 118 40.797 0 54 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 59 0.1475
Cust Reef 4 17.226 118 43.52 2 19 0 7 0 0 2 0 0 30 0.075
Ligitan 5 4 12.38 118 47.088 6 383 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 391 0.9775
Ligitan 4 4 11.038 118 51.773 2 56 0 0 2 0 1 5 3 69 0.1725
Ligitan 1 4 9.728 118 52.335 0 32 1 0 5 0 4 2 1 45 0.1125
Ligitan 2 4 9.298 118 53.923 1 96 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 100 0.25
Ligitan 3 4 11.513 118 54.04 2 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73 0.1825
Denawan 1 4 18.025 118 50.44 0 93 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 95 0.2375
Second Beach,
Si Amil 4 18.801 118 52.574 0 209 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 210 0.525
Third Beach, Si
Amil 4 18.965 118 52.508 0 204 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 206 0.515
Palang-palang,
Bum-bum 4 26.684 118 45.309 0 429 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 429 1.0725
Pasalat Reef 4 30.851 118 43.58 0 1038 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1041 2.6025
Baturua Reef 4 31.263 118 48.287 0 962 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 962 2.405
Macro Mania,
Batuara Reef 4 32.722 118 49.547 1 717 0 0 0 2 8 0 1 729 1.8225
Kulapuan 4 31.238 118 48.338 0 448 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 448 1.12
Pygmy Point,
Boheyan 4 28.405 118 56.762 1 3 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 14 0.035
Jalan-jalan,
Timba-timba 4 32.96 118 55.75 0 34 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 39 0.0975
House Reef,
Mataking 4 34.797 118 56.782 2 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 8 0.02
Treasure Hunt,
Pandanan 4 34.75 118 55.222 1 87 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 95 0.2375
Pom-pom 1 4 35.515 118 51.678 0 7 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 11 0.0275
Larapan 4 33.599 118 36.9 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0.005
Timbun-Mata 4 43.242 118 27.984 0 41 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 43 0.1075
Batik 4 28.074 118 35.47 1 3 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 14 0.035
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
23

Appendix 10: Table of Human Impact Index in Semporna PCA
Site Name
Latitude (degree)
Latitude (minutes)
Longitude (degree)
Longitude (minutes)
Boat / Anchor
Blast
Other Coral damage
Fish nets
Trash
Total Index
Human Impact Index
Hand Rock 4 8.455 118 10.792 2.25 2 2 2 1.25 9.5 High
Darby Bank 4 6.751 118 13.504 0 0 0 0.25 0 0.25 Less
Alert Patches 1 4 8.364 118 14.039 0 0 0 0.25 0 0.25 Less
Alert Patches 2 4 9.139 118 15.451 0 0 0.5 1.25 0 1.75 Less
Alert Patches 3 4 9.808 118 16.511 0 1 1 0 0 2 Less
Second Reef 4 10.533 118 17.973 0 0 0 1.5 0 1.5 Less
Mid Rock, Roach Reef 4 10.673 118 18.440 0 0 2.375 0 0.125 2.5 Medium
Erzherzog Reef 4 14.278 118 23.219 0 0 0 0.125 0 0.125 Less
Friedrich Heaven 1 4 14.363 118 26.011 0 0.25 0 0.125 0.375 0.75 Less
Yoshi Point 2 4 14.193 118 33.190 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
Yoshi Point 1 4 15.307 118 32.028 0 2.25 1.125 0.125 0 3.5 High
Paradise 2, Mabul 4 14.956 118 37.889 0.5 0 1.25 1.375 1.75 4.875 High
Kapalai Rock, Kapalai 4 12.615 118 40.797 0.125 1.375 1.875 0.5 0.625 4.5 High
Cust Reef 4 17.226 118 43.52 0.125 0.25 0 0 0.125 0.5 Less
Ligitan 5 4 12.380 118 47.088 1 1.75 2.25 0.375 0.625 6 High
Ligitan 4 4 11.038 118 51.773 0 1.5 1 0.25 0.125 2.875 Medium
Ligitan 1 4 9.728 118 52.335 0 1.75 2.25 0.75 0 4.75 High
Ligitan 2 4 9.298 118 53.923 0.625 0.5 1.5 0 0 2.625 Medium
Ligitan 3 4 11.513 118 54.040 0.5 0.875 1.75 0.125 0.25 3.5 High
Denawan 1 4 18.025 118 50.44 0.875 0.875 0 0 0.25 2 Less
Second Beach, Si Amil 4 18.801 118 52.574 0.125 0 2 0 0.625 2.75 Medium
Third Beach, Si Amil 4 18.965 118 52.508 0.125 0.625 1.25 0.375 0.625 3 Medium
Palang-palang 4 26.684 118 45.309 0.25 0 0 0.375 0.75 1.375 Less
Pasalat Reef 4 30.851 118 43.58 0 0 0 0 0 0 None
Baturua Reef 4 31.263 118 48.287 0 0.875 0 0 0 0.875 Less
Macro Mania, Batuara
Reef 4 32.722 118 49.547 0 1.875 2 0.125 0.125 4.125 High
Kulapuan 4 31.238 118 48.338 0 1.75 0 0 0 1.75 Less
Pygmy Point, Boheyan 4 28.405 118 56.762 0 0.375 1.5 0.125 0 2 Medium
Jalan-jalan, Timba-timba 4 32.960 118 55.750 0 0 1.875 0.125 0.25 2.25 Medium
House Reef, Mataking 4 34.797 118 56.782 0 0 0.875 0.625 1.625 3.125 Medium
Treasure Hunt, Pandanan 4 34.750 118 55.222 0 1.125 1.875 0.125 0 3.125 Medium
Pom-pom 1 4 35.515 118 51.678 0 3 0.25 0.375 0.125 3.75 High
Larapan 4 33.599 118 36.9 1 1.125 0.375 0.5 0.125 3.125 Medium
Timbun Mata 4 43.242 118 27.984 0.25 0.75 0.5 0 0.25 1.75 Less
Batik 4 28.074 118 35.47 0 0 0 0.125 0 0.125 Less
Recreational activities area
High fishing activities area
Low fishing area
Recreational activities & low fishing area
24

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