Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that serve many important purposes, such as protecting coastlines from storms, a source for food and medicine, a hotspot for marine biodiversity and so much more! Not only are they extremely beneficial naturally, but they also provide economic opportunities. Coral reefs have a unique and beautiful aesthetic, often drawing in tourists from all over the world. Thus, they provide more jobs for locals like indigenous tribes whose livelihood are dependent on the ocean. 

However, due to human activity, coral reefs have experienced a global decline. In the last 30 years, over 50% of corals have been lost, and that number is unfortunately increasing. Most damage to coral reefs can be attributed to climate change, urbanization, unsustainable fishing practices, and so much more. One threat that is less well-known, is the threat of invasive species. 

Invasive species can kill coral reefs in several ways. They bring in foreign diseases, take away habitat, and have no natural predators to take care of them. Not only do they compete with native fish for resources, they also eat said fish. Native fish species are responsible for maintaining coral reef health, and as the population reduces, the reef health becomes harder to maintain and it ultimately falls into ruin. One famous example is the lionfish, a species native to the Indo-Pacific region but have now spread to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, poisoning countless coral reefs. 

To combat the threat of invasive species, activists have formed local nonprofits with the sole intention of getting rid of invasive species. One popular initiative dedicated to exterminating lionfish is the Lionfish Extermination Corp in Florida. 

The importance of marine and coast in Borneo has also been exemplified in the last few years, and several organisations have been started by locals to also save Brunei's coasts and ocean. Some of these organisations are Poni Divers Brunei, Ocean Week Brunei, and Looking After Underwater Treasures of Brunei (LAUT BRUNEI).