Marine Parks and Sustainability of Fisheries Resources: View of the Pulau Tioman’s Residents

Pulau Tioman is among the 42 islands in Malaysia that are designated as Marine Parks. The primary objective of establishing the Marine Park is to enhance the nation’s fisheries resources through the effective management, preservation, and conservation of biodiversity and marine ecosystems within these designated areas. Nevertheless, the extent to which local populations embrace the construction of the Marine Park and its efficacy in guaranteeing the long-term viability of fishing resources remains uncertain. Consequently, this study was undertaken to gather data to address the subject using a quantitative methodology. Data collection was conducted using a survey that used specific questions to be administered to inhabitants residing in seven settlements on Pulau Tioman. The study’s findings indicate that the residents of Pulau Tioman rely heavily on fishing resources, with a majority of them engaging in fishing activities to obtain sustenance. The residents of Pulau Tioman have a moderate level of acceptability towards establishing the Marine Park. However, they recognize the significance of the Marine Park in guaranteeing the long-term viability of fishing resources. According to the study, there is a substantial correlation between the degree of public acceptability of marine parks and the significance and efficacy of marine park management. As a result, initiatives to raise public understanding of and confidence in marine park administration ought to be maintained and occasionally enhanced.