SCHEDULE

Malaysia's coral reefs, part of the Coral Triangle, are among the most diverse in the Indo-Pacific, with over 550 species in East Malaysia and 480 in Peninsular Malaysia. These reefs support island communities through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. However, they face increasing threats. This study examines the exceptional ecological value of Malaysia's coral reefs alongside their increasing vulnerability to various stressors. Coral reefs face complex challenges due to climate change, including rising sea temperatures, frequent El Niño events, and ocean acidification, which lead to coral bleaching. Local factors, such as sedimentation from coastal development, agricultural runoff, and unsustainable tourism, further exacerbate these issues. High-risk areas in Malaysia, such as the Perhentian and Redang islands, showcase the negative impacts of unmanaged tourism. However, Malaysia is making strides in conservation through science, community engagement, and policy reform. Collaborative national initiatives involve NGOs and local communities in restoration efforts, with research showing that coral species like Porites lutea are more resilient to sediment stress, aiding restoration. Additionally, studies emphasise the significance of symbiont diversity for coral adaptability. Case studies from Pulau Payar Marine Park in the Straits of Malacca indicate that integrating coral ecology with community education and adaptive management can enhance reef conditions. Key recommendations include regulating tourism, enforcing sediment control, prioritising stress-tolerant corals for transplantation, and raising public awareness about coral stewardship. This study highlights Malaysia's efforts to balance biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development, aiming to transform vulnerable islands into sustainable models for marine conservation.

Parasitic copepods remain among the most impactful ectoparasites affecting marine fish globally, inflicting considerable economic losses through tissue damage, physiological stress, and heightened susceptibility to secondary infections—especially within aquaculture systems. Despite Malaysia's rich aquatic biodiversity, encompassing nearly 1,955 recorded fish species, research on parasitic copepods remains markedly underexplored. To date, only 28 species have been formally documented nationwide, revealing a critical knowledge gap that limits effective biosecurity and fish health management in the region. We present findings from our most recent investigation into the diversity, prevalence, and molecular taxonomy of parasitic copepods infesting commercially marine fish in Terengganu. During three samplings in 2023, host specimens were collected from Besut and Kuala Terengganu. A total of 14 copepod species were identified from 11 host species, with 11 of these representing new records for Malaysia. Infection prevalence varied from 22% to 100%, highlighting a significant parasitic burden in local fish populations. A comprehensive redescription of Caligus infestans was also undertaken to align with current taxonomic standards. Furthermore, molecular analysis using mitochondrial COI markers successfully confirmed species identities and contributed the first genetic barcodes of parasitic copepods from Malaysian waters. These findings mark a critical step forward in documenting Malaysia’s marine parasitic copepod fauna and establishing a molecular foundation for future ecological and epidemiological studies. Our work underscores the urgent need for expanded parasitological research to safeguard the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Southeast Asia.