Malaysia Closes World-Famous Diving Sites to Save Coral Reefs

As coral reefs are killed off by climate change, tough decisions have to be made, including shutting them off to human access entirely.

Several major diving sites in Malaysia that are home to a total of 12 coral reefs, have been closed to divers in order to reduce the number of stressors corals face in their struggle to survive. It means that Malaysia is choosing the health of its reefs over the draw of half a million tourists annually -- at least until October. This gives the corals time to recover from bleaching caused by water temperatures 4 degrees Fahrenheit higher than usual.

WATCH VIDEO: The Great Barrier Reef, Australia - The largest coral reef on the planet and so vast it can be seen from the moon. An increase by 3 degrees celcius will trigger a total extinction of the corals. This could happen by the end of this century.

According to the Telegraph, as much as 90% of the coral in the area is turning white, and needs time to recover without the added pressures of human traffic.

Warm seas are rough on corals. The Caribbean, for example, has experienced sea temperature increases that stress corals and cause bleaching. Not only can it cause bleaching but also slowed growth, making it difficult for corals to bounce back from stressors other than warmer temperatures. The delicate ecosystems are threatened with collapse if the corals aren't given a chance to recover.

In some areas, corals seem to be able to adapt to warmer temperatures, thriving in even the most unlikely conditions. But in most places, including Malaysia, they need a breather from people in order to recover.

WATCH VIDEO: Blue August: Acid Test Extras: Coral Reefs -- The future of coral reefs are in jeopardy as the acid in the oceans makes it impossible for the coral to grow and survive.

"We expect [the corals] to recover or at least improve." Mr Abdul Jamal said. The Department of Marine Parks claimed the damaged coral was solely the result of rising sea temperatures and not tourism activities -- though environmentalists are quick to note that tourism has to be counted as an important factor in reef health.

"In Malaysia, corals are facing a vast variety of threats even without the coral bleaching episodes, like uncontrolled tourism," said Yeap Chin Aik of the Malaysian Nature Society.

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