Abstract

Natural reefs provide coastal protection, marine fish habitat, and the centerfold for ocean-based tourism in southeast Asia. Yet, unfortunately, natural reefs are facing a serious and global decline. Pollution, coastal development and increased human activity brought on by excessive and mismanaged tourism pose a threat to reef systems, a critical resource fueling the tourism industry. However, small-scale ecotourism presents an alternative that thrives at the intersection of environmental sustainability and economic feasibility. This study presents the Seaventures Dive Rig in Malaysia as an example of sustainable ecotourism. Seaventures is a repurposed oil rig that functions as an artificial reef below the surface and an ecotourism hotel above. Additionally, this study assesses Seaventures’ ability to mimic the surrounding ecosystem as an artificial reef. Our results suggest that Seaventures adequately simulates the fish abundance found on the natural reefs in this region, successfully redirecting scuba-based tourism away from natural systems and enhancing local marine environment through the use of an artificial reef.

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