MIRI: The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) has successfully organised a Ghost Net Cleanup Operation and mooring line installation on Wednesday, in a concerted effort to preserve the local marine ecosystem and promote responsible scuba diving.
A total of 12 participants joined the operation, including two NSJA members and 10 volunteers.
Among them, 10 were certified divers while two acted as boat skippers.
The operation covered four popular diving locations – Anemone Garden, North Siwa, Sunday Reef, and Batu Belais – within the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park, an area known for its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral reefs.
“Our goal is not just to remove hazardous ghost nets, but to raise public awareness of their long-term impact on marine life and ecosystems,” said NSJA Chairman, Chai Chon Chin.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to marine conservation and is part of our annual programme.”
The operation also included the installation of mooring lines provided by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), designed to replace traditional anchors that often damage seabeds and coral ecosystems.
These lines allow dive boats to anchor safely, ensuring a more sustainable and eco-friendly diving experience for both local and international divers.
Originally planned for Nov 1, 2024, the activity had to be postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Despite the delay, NSJA remained committed to executing the project as part of its ongoing environmental advocacy.
Ghost nets – abandoned or lost fishing nets – pose a serious threat to marine life, often entangling coral reefs and unintentionally trapping marine species, leading to injury or death.
The cleanup effort is aimed not only at removing these nets but also at restoring the natural beauty of the dive sites and supporting marine-based tourism.
NSJA reiterated its dedication to long-term marine preservation and expressed interest in strengthening collaborations with government agencies and volunteer communities to carry out more conservation programs in the future.
