El Nino phenomenon affects coral reproduction in Terengganu waters - Expert

The El Nino phenomenon currently affecting the country is expected to have an impact on marine life and the reproduction coral reef in Terengganu waters, according to an expert.

The phenomenon ,which is expected to prolong until the end of March, may destroy the marine life and coral reef due to the warming of the sea surface, said Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) School of Marine Science and Environment senior lecturer Dr Hasrizal Shaari.

He said the faculty would monitor the phenomenon as soon as the monsoon season ended as the sea was still rough at the moment.

"The El Nino phenomenon has also resulted in a significant rise in sea surface temperature, up to 30 degrees Celsius, and it has to some extent also affected the marine ecosystems.

"Coral reefs are an indicator of a healthy environment for marine ecosystems, and efforts to conserve them should continue as soon as the El Nino phenomenon is over," he told Bernama Saturday.