KUALA TERENGGANU, July 24 (Bernama) -- In a bid to prevent corals from extinction, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has taken the initiative to breed the spineless species.

Its vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Aziz Deraman said, the university conducted research on breeding corals as a faster method for recovery.

"In addition to turtle conservation, UMT is also carrying out efforts to conserve corals which are facing various threats such as coral bleaching which can cause it to die," he told reporters at the launching of the 'Ekspedisi Pelayaran Saintifik Perdana' (EPSP 2009) seminar organised by the university here Saturday.

The event was officiated by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof.

Dr Aziz said coral seeds and artificial tyre reefs are placed in problematic areas to help revive marine life there.

The damage on coral reefs, which is among the country's tourist attractions, is at an alarming stage with coral bleaching affecting between 60 to 90 per cent of corals.

Several diving and snorkeling spots in Terengganu will also be temporarily closed until Oct 31, to carry out coral restoration works.

Among the areas affected are Pulau Redang (Teluk Bakau), Pulau Tenggol (Teluk Air Tawar), Pulau Perhentian Besar (Teluk Dalam) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Tanjung Tukas Darat and Tanjung Tukas Laut).

Meanwhile, National Oceanography Directorate secretary Prof Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar said the closure was viewed positively as it would help restore the corals.

She said the directorate would also carry out coral transplant, where healthy corals are placed in weak areas, to help the species to continue living.

She added that these method was already implemented in Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian.

-- BERNAMA (http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=516211)