BANGKA -- To support efforts to preserve marine ecosystems, maintain environmental balance, and develop underwater tourism, PT Timah has again submerged a coral garden on Putri Island, Belinyu District, Bangka Regency.
The sinking of 37 coral gardens by PT Timah involved the community, the Sayang Babel Kite Foundation, and PT Timah employees which was carried out on Monday, August 19, 2024.
The FAD sinking carried out by PT Timah aims to rehabilitate and restore the function of coral reefs as important habitats for marine biodiversity.
It is hoped that the submerged coral garden can function as a new habitat for various types of marine biota, increase biodiversity, and support fishing activities in the surrounding area.
Not only that, the existence of artificial coral can also become a marine tourism attraction in developing the Putri Island destination area. Previously, PT Timah had also sunk coral gardens in this area.
Bangka Belitung University Marine Science Lecturer Indra Ambalika said that the sinking of FADs carried out by members of the MIND ID Mining Industry Holding was a significant step in the third stage of the coral reef restoration program.
According to him, the number drowned this time was greater than the previous attempt. This shows a strong commitment to restoring marine ecosystems in this region.
"We hope that the coral garden that has been built will grow into a fertile habitat for various marine biota. Putri Island, with its rich marine biodiversity, has great potential to become a center for research and development of marine science," he said.
Indra is also optimistic that the coral garden will become a new attraction for tourists so that it can improve the economy of the surrounding community.
Since 2021, PT Timah has consistently carried out coral garden sinking activities. Uniquely, each stage has a different design. Starting from coral gardens with writing, shelves to accelerate coral growth, to creative shapes such as spiders and tunnels.
"PT Timah no longer takes natural coral, but instead uses cultivated coral that has grown well. We really appreciate PT Timah's initiative," he said.
By planting coral species such as Acropora and combining natural corals, it is believed that the coral reef ecosystem on Putri Island will recover quickly. More than just a place for fish to play, this coral garden will be a home for various marine species.
"With economic and social dynamics continuing to develop, it is important for us to be wise in managing natural resources, especially the sea which dominates the Bangka Belitung region. Hopefully, this coral reef restoration program will be more successful and PT Timah will be even more prosperous," he hoped.
One of the fishermen on Putri Island, Acien, who was involved in the FAD sinking activity, said they had felt the positive impact of the coral garden in this area.
This also has an impact on increasing catches which are increasingly abundant and the coral restoration carried out by PT Timah has had an economic impact on them.
"We hope that, with PT Timah's support, Putri Island will further develop into an independent and sustainable fishing village, as well as becoming an attractive marine tourism destination," he said. (*)
