The coral reefs at Redang are the main attraction for the thousands of visitors each year. To protect the corals from damage and to preserve them for future visitors to enjoy, it is the responsibility of each visitor to look after the coral reefs.

Reefs in Redang and all over the world are already under attack from pollution, global warming and ocean acidification. If nothing is done to stop the current rate of destruction, there may be no coral reefs left by the end of the century. Visitors don't need to add to the damage through their careless and thoughtless actions. We can all learn and choose to avoid or minimize damage caused by our activities. We can each make a positive difference when we visit by following these 3 simple rules.

• Do not remove anything whether dead or alive such as seashells, corals and fishes either as souvenirs or collectibles.
• All marine life, whether dead or alive, plays a part in sustaining the health of the coral reef ecosystem. Everything is recycled, nothing is wasted. Even dead coral, coral rubble and empty shells can provide protection and homes for many species of organisms.
• Don't catch fish or other marine life even if you intend to release them later. You may stress, injure or kill them in the process.

• Do not kick, kneel, stand or step on corals as this may break them.
• Snorkellers should avoid going near corals when the water is too shallow to prevent unnecessary physical contact. When adjusting or clearing your mask or snorkel, do it while floating or swim clear away from corals before doing so.
• Divers should ensure good buoyancy and control. When near corals, bend your knees so that fins are pointing upwards and fin gently using the frog-kick. Make sure gauges and other equipment are secured so they are not dragged over the reef. Do not use knifes or sharp objects to anchor yourself on coral when fighting currents or when steadying yourself to take photographs.

• Throw rubbish into rubbish bins, not on the beach or into the sea. Help to clear the beach and sea of any litter you come across.
• Litter on the beach can get washed out to sea and may harm animals that consume them mistakenly. A Queensland university study found that marine rubbish was the leading cause of death among sea turtles in 2007.
• Polluted waters can reduce the amount of sunlight needed by corals to survive. Many detergents for cleaning and washing are also harmful to coral reefs and should not be used in beach showers and wash areas outside where they can seep into the soil and be discharged into the sea.

General information about Malaysian marine parks can be found in the marine park section of the Malaysian Ministry of Environment website. There is also an educational Marine Education Kit jointly put up by WWF Malaysia, Marine Parks Malaysia and the Ministry of Education. Contact any of the following for information about marine park conservation at Redang or other islands:

• Department of Marine Park Malaysia (Headquarters)
  Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
  Level 11, Wisma Sumber Asli,
  No.25, Persiaran Perdana, 62574 Putrajaya
  Tel : 03-8886 1111 (general)
  Fax: 03-8888 0489
  E-mail : tamanlaut@nre.gov.my
  
  
• Jabatan Taman Laut Negeri Terengganu
  (Terengganu Marine Park Dept.)
  Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar
  No 16, Blok B, Bestari Centre Jalan Hiliran,
  Pulau Kambing, 20300 Kuala Terengganu
  Terengganu Darul Iman
  Tel : 09-631 2062
  Fax : 09-6227266
  E-mail : utlterengganu@nre.gov.my