MMU, CIMB Foundation and YUM joined hands to preserve the coral reefs with Project iCORAL-Reef Rescue. Led by Ts. Dr. R. Kanesaraj from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), the project consisted of three phases namely Reef-Rescue, Reef-Restoration, and Reef- Monitoring & Prediction.
Coral reefs are known as the “rainforest of the sea” as they are rich in biodiversity and provide significant advantages to humans, however, it is one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems. The coral reefs are fragile, and many of them are disappearing around the world. They suffer numerous challenges on a local and global scale, and immediate action is required to ensure the coral reefs will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Another severe concern that many reefs face is coral bleaching. Though coral can recover after bleaching, if it is not addressed soon, it can be fatal. Global bleaching has been at high levels due to rising temperatures since 2014, affecting reefs all around the world. About two-thirds of corals on reefs off the coast of South Florida have died or are dying, while the bleaching is thought to have killed off 75 percent of Japan’s largest coral reef as of 2017.
Hence, MMU has taken great measures to incorporate technology to provide a solution for this issue. The project kicked off with its first phase, where the focus is coral breeding with the assistance of Yayasan Coral Malaysia (YCM). Reef Rescue project was started at Bidong Island and the team plan to step up iCORAL by using technology in coral growth monitoring as well as to improve the sustainability of coral growth in the waters of Malaysia.
Well done!
