Proposed project touted as marine wonder

KOTA KINABALU (November 18, 2008): The envisaged Mabul Oceanarium is being touted as “a marine habitat wonder” in a proposal submitted to the state government by a two-ringgit registered company.

Calling it Malaysia’s “first and biggest oceanarium in a natural setting” and a project “to give back to nature,” the proposal dated Sept 25, 2007 stated that fish aggregating devices (FADs) would be used to attract marine life.

It stated that although construction of artificial reefs to enhance fish breeding in sea was something new to this region, Japan for example, had long practised it.

The purpose of the artificial reef construction in Mabul waters would be for fish resource development, fish and coral resource rehabilitation, tourist attraction and monitoring biological and ecological aspects.

Included in the artificial reef would be concrete reef balls as well as commercially available culverts, concrete hollow blocks and other concrete structures.

To attract smaller fishes, artificial sea grass made from rubber bands attached to plastic mat or wire mesh cages would be used.

The proposal stated that villages offering 214 sea-view bungalows and semi-detached villas with side pools and spa villas would be built in stages around the oceanarium.

Apart from 10 dive sites of 4ha each, there would also be private jetties with staff quarters for scientists and workers as well maritime research facilities including laboratories.

The project is estimated to cost RM4.3mil to build, although critics claimed it would be very much higher.

The proposal also gave an estimate of RM10,000 each month for building maintenance of the Mabul Oceanographic research centre and another RM20,000 each month for maintaining the oceanarium.