Diversity and conservation of coral reef fishes in the Malaysian South China Sea

Abstract

Marine biological diversity in the South China Sea is immensely rich, with at least 3,365 species of marine fishes, more than one-third of these are coral reef fish. Understanding the present status of coral reef fishes in the South China Sea in terms of their biodiversity and abundance is therefore important for the sustainable use of coral reef resources in the future. This paper is an overview of the diversity, species composition and species richness of coral reef fishes in the Malaysian South China Sea. A number of coral reef fishes consisting of 35 families and 86 species have been categorised as extinct or threatened. Natural and anthropogenic factors are affecting coral reefs and their ecosystems, with overfishing, blast fishing, poison fishing and trawling considered the major threats in Malaysia. In the Malaysian South China Sea, blast fishing is still practiced in Sabah, East Malaysia (Borneo), and the activity is considered a serious issue. A number of coral reefs are protected as national marine parks, especially in West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), which could help maintain the biomass of coral reef fishes. Strict enforcement of fishery regulations and management, and more national marine parks are needed to conserve and enhance coral reef fishes, especially in the Sabah area of East Malaysia.