GENERAL PROFILE OF RESOURCE USE

The islands off Semporna were settled well over one hundred years ago, but marine and terrestrial resources were probably being used long before this time. The central high islands are particularly productive, and the reefs have long been a source of fish, shellfish and other invertebrates. Today, the natural resources of the proposed Semporna Islands Park are used by local communities and also by people who travel to the area from the mainland and neighbouring islands, mainly for fishing, but also to collect fruit and other island produce.

The occupation of nearly everyone who lives in the proposed Park (1999 census data: 2,061 people [991 adults, 1070 children]) revolves directly or indirectly around the natural resources of the area. The main activities are seaweed farming, fishing and cultivation of food, medicinal and other plants, probably in that order. People also collect wild plants and draw water from springs and wells to meet everyday needs.

Extractive use of marine resources
Several hundred of the people who live in the proposed Park are fishermen, but for many, fishing is only a part-time activity. A number of people who live in Semporna or on the neighbouring islands travel over to fish in the proposed Park.

Of all the ethnic groups, the sea-faring Bajau Laut (169 adults; 166 children) depend primarily on marine resources both for personal consumption and sale. Most of the Bajau and Suluk people living on the islands fish only on a part-time basis, to provide food for their families. However, they no longer rely solely on fish for their diet, and in any case may buy some of what they need from local Bajau Laut or from the fish market at Semporna, rather than catching it themselves (Suliansa, 2000). As mentioned above, some non-resident fishermen come into the proposed Park from the mainland or other islands. They may complete the fishing trip in one day, or stay for several days before returning with the catch to Semporna.

Most of the fishing in the proposed park is 'traditional' in that it is carried out from small boats using gear such as hook and line and traps. However, various types of net are also used, sometimes from larger, commercial boats operating from the mainland. Damaging methods of fishing such as fish blasting occur quite widely, and cyanide is believed to be used to catch live fish for the food trade.

Seaweed farming
The largest settlement, comprising 36% of the current population (1999 census data: 359 adults, 381 people) is on the Sebangkat-Selakan reef top, and the people here are engaged mainly in seaweed cultivation. Many of the Bajaus and Suluks on the islands of Sebangkat (77 adults, 106 children) and Selakan (60 adults; 96 children) are also involved in seaweed farming, as are a number from kampongs on Maiga, Bodgaya and Boheydulang.

Use of terrestrial resources, including cultivation
Many of the plants that occur on the islands within the proposed Park are of value, but there have been some changes in the patterns of use over the last few years - for example a decline in extraction of timber trees because so few are left (Sugau et al. 1998). Cultivation of crops, fruit trees and coconuts remains an important activity.

Most of the cultivation is done on Bodgaya, Boheydulang and Selakan, and involves a number of families who have tended the land for many years, in some cases for former residents now living on the mainland. A few people who previously lived on the islands come over from the mainland occasionally to collect fruit or coconuts.

Other resources used
Water is another valuable resource. Supplies on the low-lying islands are limited and people from these islands occasionally come over to the high islands where there are a number of accessible streams and pools. At one time, clay was dug from some of the islands, but this is seldom used now.

CONSERVATION CONCERNS

Pressure over many years has resulted in environmental damage and over-exploitation of natural resources. Change and decline in marine biodiversity had been identified as a problem during previous surveys, and was further documented by the research teams who carried out studies during the Semporna Islands Project.

Many of the commercially important groups such giant clams, emperors, snappers and groupers have been over-exploited, and there is a noticeable lack of large fish. Reef habitats have also been damaged and altered as a result of fishing with explosives.

On the islands, extraction of timber and other valuable trees has led to population declines. Few timber trees of value now remain, and the extent of mangrove has been reduced. Habitats have also been degraded, for example as a result of forest clearance for cultivation.

MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS

A major objective for the Semporna Islands Park is to have a plan for sustainable use of the area and its resources that will benefit local communities and also help promote conservation.

The strategy for resource use management in the Park is to set aside some areas as 'no-take' zones, control harvesting in other areas, and encourage diversification away from direct use to activities such as seaweed farming, giant clam farming and eco-tourism.