A Glimpse into Survival in the Banggi Region: Of Coastal Communities, Live Reef Fish Cages and Crocodile Lore

Abstract

The Banggi region is home to coastal inhabitants that have a multitude of cultural beliefs and traditions, living a diaspora of marine biodiversity that is part of the Coral Triangle Region, thus rendering tremendous fisheries and eco-tourism potential. It is also a source region for Live Reef Fish (LRF) grown out in mariculture cages that contributes towards the multi-million dollar Asia Pacific commodity chain: the Live Reef Food Fish Trade (LRFFT). We attempt to provide a historical development of socio-demographics of the Banggi region along with an introduction to LRF cage initiatives and cultural beliefs regarding crocodiles to enhance understanding of the marginalized island communities and how they interact with the flourishing marine ecosystem around them. The Banggi region is a large portion of Tun Mustapha Park, a multiple use marine protected area (MPA) that falls under the jurisdiction of Sabah Parks.