ASIAN SHARK CONSERVATION, RESEARCH AND LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP 2025
A regional capacity-building workshop organised by James Cook University (Australia & Singapore) and Blue Capacity Collective, bringing together shark and ray researchers and conservation practitioners from across Asia.The workshop was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizah Mohd Abdullah from the Faculty of Marine Science and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Participation in the workshop aligns with Project Ocean Hope’s commitment to strengthening conservation leadership, advancing applied marine research, and supporting long-term, evidence based ocean stewardship in Asia.
SUPPORTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ASIAN SHARK AND RAY ALLIANCE (ASRA)
The Asian Shark and Ray Alliance envisions a future where sharks and rays across Asia are sustainably managed, responsibly used, and effectively protected. ASRA is committed to advancing scientific research and collaborations that enable the sustainable use and conservation of these vital species, and that are respectful of the customs, culture, and livelihoods of Asian peoples. ASRA will will help to develop and sustain a highly professional, knowledgeable, and resilient international community of scientists, managers, and conservation practitioners that applies the best available science and world-leading practices to ensure sharks and rays thrive, for the benefit of ecosystems, communities, and future generations.Representing Malaysia as Founding Committee (Co-vice President), Dr. Maizah is committed to support the mission of ASRA to secure a sustainable future for sharks and rays across Asia by connecting, supporting, empowering, and inspiring the people who study, conserve, and manage them.
BLACKTIP REEF SHARK STUDY
This study examined the presence and movement patterns of juvenile blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) at Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary, Redang Island, a site recognized as a potential shark nursery ground in Malaysia. The sanctuary comprises well-protected shallow reef and lagoon habitats with minimal human disturbance, offering suitable conditions for juvenile sharks. Chagar Hutang has also been designated as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), underscoring its importance for elasmobranch conservation. Blacktip reef sharks commonly utilize shallow coastal habitats during early life stages, yet their spatial ecology in Malaysian waters remains poorly understood. This study provides essential baseline information to support the identification and management of critical shark nursery habitats within marine protected areas.
WHALE SHARK CONSERVATION AT TENGGOL ISLAND MARINE PARK
This whale shark conservation project focuses on Tenggol Island Marine Park, an important seasonal aggregation site for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Whale sharks are now listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), reflecting the highest level of international protection for the species. Despite this protection status, information on whale shark occurrence, movement patterns, and habitat use in Malaysian waters remains limited. This project aims to address these knowledge gaps by documenting whale shark presence, behavior, and interactions with humans at Tenggol Island. A key component of the initiative is the active engagement of recreational divers and local dive operators, forming a citizen science–based conservation framework that enables systematic data collection through standardized sighting reports and photographic identification. By fostering collaboration between scientists, tourism stakeholders, and the local community, this approach enhances conservation awareness, promotes responsible marine tourism, and demonstrates the Ocean Hope Project’s strong commitment to whale shark conservation in Malaysia, contributing to long-term species protection and sustainable ocean stewardship.
CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF MISSION MALAYSIA 2024Y
As a maritime nation, the waters of Pahang not only serve as migratory routes for various endangered marine species, but also harbor coral reef habitats that remain largely unexplored, underscoring the need for comprehensive marine ecological research. This is particularly crucial for Malaysia’s Blue Economy development agenda through the rapid growth of maritime economic activities, fisheries, and marine tourism, thereby highlighting the importance of conserving marine biodiversity in this region. National initiatives particularly in advancing the exploration and understanding of Life Below Water, have significantly strengthened Malaysia’s capacity in marine scientific discovery. Strategic collaborations with international organizations such as OceanX have elevated the standard of ocean science in Malaysia by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, advanced research platforms, and global scientific expertise. These partnerships have enabled high-resolution exploration, data acquisition, and interdisciplinary research that were previously beyond local capabilities. Overall, this study provides significant scientific evidence to guide conservation policies and strategies, while also serving as a benchmark for the importance of adopting advanced technologies in oceanography and marine sciences to strengthen the ocean sustainability agenda in Malaysia, particularly in the state of Pahang.