Marine Research Foundation

The Marine Research Foundation in Sabah, Malaysia, focuses on marine conservation through research, influencing policy and community initiatives. With funding from PADI AWARE, their project in Kota Kinabalu aims to combat marine debris, expand clean-up efforts, and raise awareness, while fostering collaboration to protect local marine ecosystems and support community livelihoods. 

With 20 years of experience in marine research and conservation, Marine Research Foundation is scaling up its efforts to combat marine debris in Sabah waters.

With a growing population, Kota Kinabalu faces increased marine debris waste, notably plastics, flowing through rivers and storm drains that drain to the sea,  threatening marine ecosystems, fisheries, tourism, and human health. The Marine Research Foundation’s goal is to remove marine debris that is already in the ocean through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts.

The Marine Research Foundation aims to reduce the marine debris pollution in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah through a multifaceted approach. By combining direct interventions, collaborative engagement, and strategic outreach, MRF aims to reduce marine debris pollution and foster behavior change among local communities to promote sustainable practices in managing marine debris waste in Sabah.

The PADI AWARE grant funding will help foster meaningful collaboration with local youth, dive operators, the community, and the local authorities, strengthening conservation efforts collectively. The grant funding represents more than resources – it's a step towards a thriving ocean and supports the livelihoods of local communities who rely heavily on a healthy marine environment.  

Liyana Khalid, MRF's Senior Conservation Officer, noted, “We at the Marine Research Foundation believe that focused interventions and ongoing collaborative efforts can spark a ripple effect, extending beyond the city to create lasting change across the region for healthier oceans!”.

Want to see more of Marine Research Foundation in Action?

You can follow along with the Marine Research Foundation and the project on their website, Instagram, Facebook or on https://www.padi.com/aware.