Reef Check Malaysia
We monitor over 300 coral reefs annually in Malaysia, and are actively involved in marine environment management & conservation efforts.
Reef Check Malaysia is a marine conservation NGO working to bring together stakeholders for marine ecosystems monitoring, management, research & conservation, and advocacy. It is part of the worldwide Reef Check network.
We partner with the Department of Fisheries and Sabah Parks for Marine Park coral surveys, review dive centres for Green Fins certification, and run community programmes on several islands in Malaysia.
Our programmes
Reef Check EcoDiver surveys
Under our EcoAction programme, we train certified divers to conduct Reef Check surveys, and organise an annual survey of coral reefs around Malaysia. The data collected over time reflect the changing status of coral reefs and indicate what steps can be taken to conserve them.
Currently, the Reef Check survey programme monitors over 300 reef sites around Malaysia and we have trained more than 1000 volunteer EcoDivers.
Coral reef science
We conduct reef rehabilitation programmes and reef resilience surveys in various islands. The results are used in management plans for the islands.
We developed a Coral Bleaching Response plan that ensures effective communications and coordination of management efforts to protect coral reefs during bleaching events.
Coral reef advocacy
We are part of the National Management Team of Green Fins, which is an international programme that promotes good diving etiquette. We certify dive centres in Malaysia against the Green Fins programme and work with them to improve their performance. Choose Green Fins certified dive centres for safe and sustainable scuba diving.
Full-time staff based on Tioman, Mersing, Mantanani, and Redang Islands run year-long community programmes to raise awareness of the importance of coral reefs and the valuable ecosystem services they provide.
Scuba dive while volunteering for marine conservation in Malaysia
The best way to get involved in Reef Check Malaysia's conservation programmes is to join our survey trips!
Enroll in an EcoDiver course, and we will train you to do Reef Check surveys.
Survey dives vs leisure dives
Survey dives in coral reef areas have minimum skill requirements to avoid damaging the reef:
High level of concentration and discipline
Good dive skills to avoid damaging the reefs
Able to hover motionless, horizontally and invertedly while recording data on the slate
Reef Check EcoDiver Certification course fees
RM1,200 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM1,350 for East Malaysia
Includes: Training materials, certification, trainer fee, diving facilities (6 to 7 dives, including pool)
Excludes: Equipment rental, accommodation, transportation, meals
