Brunei Deepens Marine Conservation Efforts with New Reef Deployments and Enhanced Ocean Protection Measures

Bandar Seri Begawan, The Gulf Observer: Brunei Darussalam has reaffirmed its strong commitment to marine conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources through a series of landmark initiatives under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Speaking as guest of honour at the deployment of 100 reef balls in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan to mark World Ocean Day 2025, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin outlined the nation’s significant strides in protecting marine biodiversity and combating threats to ocean health.

Over 20% of National Waters Designated as ‘No Take Zones’

The minister highlighted Brunei’s establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) covering over 1,200 square kilometres – more than 20% of the national fisheries management area – where all forms of extraction are prohibited. This effort aims to prevent overfishing and safeguard fragile marine ecosystems.

Other long-standing conservation measures include:

• A moratorium on new bottom trawl licenses since 2001;
• A ban on shark fishing and trade of all shark products since 2015;
• The deployment of over 1,400 artificial reefs between 2020 and 2023, with an additional 1,000 planned by 2029.

Technology and Research Driving Sustainable Fisheries

Dr Haji Abdul Manaf underscored Brunei’s proactive stance in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through enforcement of the National Plan of Action, coupled with real-time tracking technologies to monitor fisheries activity.

He also announced:

• The development of a national fish stock database to support evidence-based fisheries management;
• The integration of artificial intelligence to monitor coral reef health, enabling timely adaptation to climate change impacts;
• The restoration of seagrass ecosystems, with over 100 new plots planted at Bedukang Island in May 2025, focusing on the conservation of vulnerable marine species.

New Reef Balls and Ongoing Restoration Efforts

The latest initiative – the deployment of 100 reef balls of four different sizes – at Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, is a continuation of Brunei’s artificial reef programme, aimed at rehabilitating degraded marine habitats, enhancing fish populations, and strengthening overall ecosystem resilience.

An additional 100 artificial reef units are also planned for deployment at Pelong Rocks, as part of Brunei’s broader marine ecosystem restoration strategy.

Global and Regional Threats Require Coordinated Response

While reaffirming national commitment, the minister also raised the alarm over escalating global and regional threats to marine ecosystems. He cited:

• Marine pollution, particularly microplastics, industrial waste, and ghost nets;
• Overfishing and destructive practices, disrupting ecological balance;
• Coastal habitat loss, including mangrove degradation;
• And the compounding impacts of climate change, including coral bleaching, rising sea temperatures, and ocean acidification.

“These changes not only disrupt the delicate balance of the entire marine food web and ecosystems but also jeopardise the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean for food, income, and cultural heritage,” Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said.

A Call for Collective Stewardship

The minister concluded by calling on industries and stakeholders to adopt environmentally responsible practices, while reaffirming Brunei’s intent to invest in marine science and youth engagement to ensure sustainable ocean governance for generations to come.

“We are proud of our progress, but the journey continues. Let us work together – government, industry, academia, and communities – to secure a healthy and sustainable future for our oceans,” he said.