Blue Economy: Striking A Balance Between Economy And Ocean Conservation

This second of a two-part article on the conservation of Malaysia’s marine habitats focuses on the blue economy and the need for corporations to adopt green initiatives to protect ocean ecosystems.

The blue economy plays an increasingly vital role in sustainable development, aiming to balance economic growth with the conservation of ocean ecosystems.

It has garnered global recognition from organisations like the United Nations and the World Bank for its potential to create sustainable and resilient futures.

OceanX team member Nick Smith (right) delivers a briefing during a media visit aboard the OceanX scientific research vessel at Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT), Pulau Indah, recently.

Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, is deeply engaged in advancing this approach. The region depends heavily on ocean-based industries such as fisheries, tourism and shipping, which are underpinned by its rich marine biodiversity.

The World Bank defines the blue economy as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and to improve livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”.

Being a maritime nation with 4,675 kilometres of coastline and over 870 islands, sustainable ocean and marine resources development in Malaysia will have a significant positive spill-over impact on the socioeconomic drivers of the country, as identified in the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).

According to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), a vibrant blue economy ecosystem is predicted to potentially increase the contribution of marine and ocean resources from 21.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 to 31.5 percent of the GDP in 2030, amounting to an estimated RM1.4 trillion for the Malaysian economy.

GREEN INITIATIVES

The success of the blue economy approach depends not only on individual and governmental actions but also on corporations recognising their responsibility and potential to implement measures that can reduce their ecological footprint.

Non-profit organisation Save Our Seahorses Malaysia Director Dr Adam Lim Chee Ooi, popularly known as Dr Seahorse, observed that more Malaysian corporations are incorporating green initiatives. These include funding conservation projects, appointing sustainability managers and implementing eco-friendly measures in workplaces.

“Recent efforts also involve carbon reporting and management, setting up conservation funds and providing tax incentives for green technologies,” he told Bernama. “The focus now is on increasing adoption among businesses.”

Port Klang-based Northport (Malaysia) Bhd, which operates one of the largest multipurpose ports in this country, has installed port reception facilities (PRF) to manage waste from ships and prevent illegal discharges into the sea.

Westports Holdings Bhd, in collaboration with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia and Selangor Maritime Gateway, has launched the Selangor Environmental Conservation and Cultural Alliance to protect mangroves, marine wildlife and Orang Asli communities.

OIL SPILL INCIDENTS

Meanwhile, commenting on the critical need for both prevention and swift cleanup of oil spills, Associate Prof Dr Maizah Mohd Abdullah of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu said the spilled oil is disastrous for coral reefs as it blocks sunlight and oxygen, impairing photosynthesis and respiration in coral polyps.

“This disruption can lead to coral bleaching, reduced species diversity and economic losses for the tourism and fishing industries.

OceanX Science Program Director Mattie Rodrigue (left) and UMT Chief Researcher and Expedition Leader Prof Dr Maizah Mohd Abdullah stand in front of the Triton Submarines deep-sea research vessel.

“Marine endangered species, such as sea turtles and dugongs, are also severely affected. Oil residues contaminate their habitats, disrupt nesting beaches and threaten survival rates,” she added,

Lim, citing statistics from the Department of Environment, said Malaysia has recorded 63 oil spills since 2018.

On the oil spill that occurred in Johor in June this year following an incident involving the Singaporean bunker vessel Marine Honour, Maizah said it affected the Johor coastline and also impacted the Pengerang area.

“This incident resulted in approximately 400 tonnes of marine fuel oil leaking into the waters around Singapore, with parts of the spill spreading into Malaysian waters near Pengerang. The spill caused visible slicks along a one-kilometre stretch of shoreline, affecting beaches at Sungai Rengit and Teluk Ramunia.

“However, Malaysian authorities promptly initiated a coordinated cleanup effort involving multiple agencies, including the Johor Department of Environment, the Marine Department and local government bodies,” she said.

Maizah also stressed the importance of cross-border coordination and rapid response in mitigating marine pollution, highlighting how swift action by Malaysian agencies has minimised ecological damage, protected local ecosystems and supported affected fishing communities.

 The Malaysia Oiled Wildlife Response Plan (MOWReP), established in 2021, also represents a significant step in addressing the effects of oil spill incidents.

(Oiled wildlife is a term to describe animals impacted by oil released into the environment.)

MOWReP aims to minimise the impact of oil spills on animals, their populations and habitats by deploying specialised response teams and fostering collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities in managing oiled wildlife.

However, challenges remain, particularly in handling large-scale spills requiring extensive resources.

POLICY

In Malaysia, the government is developing a Malaysia Blue Economy Blueprint to optimise the use of sea resources, drive economic growth and support socioeconomic development while preserving marine ecosystems.

The Ministry of Economy began a 12-month study in August this year to develop the framework and strategy for the blue economy, focusing on the fisheries and aquaculture industries and the maritime tourism sector.

Science Program Director of OceanX, Mattie Rodrigue delivering a briefing on the machinery used in marine research.

Maizah stressed the need for scientific findings to bridge economic activities and sustainability, particularly in mitigating oil spills and promoting green port policies.

“Scientific research plays a crucial role in advancing detection systems, predictive models and eco-friendly mitigation solutions to reduce the frequency and impact of oil spills,” she explained.

She also said the conservation of marine biodiversity can start with simple measures, such as limiting boat speeds in endangered marine areas.

Warning that rapid port expansions could affect the migration of marine megafauna such as dolphins, she pointed to the importance of having policies, such as green port initiatives, developed through engagement between researchers and government stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the growing emphasis on green initiatives, marine conservation and the blue economy is creating diverse career opportunities for marine biologists globally, regionally and in Malaysia.

ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, are investing in sustainable marine practices, driving demand for marine biologists in sectors like port operations and shipping.

They can also find opportunities in marine tourism, particularly in eco-resorts like Alunan Resort in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, where they guide visitors on sustainable diving and snorkeling activities.

Additionally, research carried out by marine biologists on the impacts of climate change provides critical data for policymaking.

“These developments open new avenues for marine biologists eager to contribute to conservation and sustainability,” said Lim of Save Our Seahorses Malaysia.