THE 1,000,000 sq km Coral Triangle can be this region's "golden triangle", provided we look after it.

But the threat of climate change, over-fishing and other irresponsible activities on land can cause undue stress to this area which covers all or part of the seas of six countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

Indonesia, The Philippines and Malaysia have more coral reefs than the other countries with Malaysia being an important link in the triangle.

WWF-Malaysia marine coordinator Ken Kassem said that Malaysians are also the second largest consumer of marine protein after Japan and therefore, it is important to look after what we have in order to enjoy long-term sustainability.

This means we should not consume fish that are higher up in the food chain because they reproduce at a slower rate than those at the bottom end of the chain.

"Some popular types of fish are in worse shape than the others and this includes the garoupa family. Black and white pomfrets are more sustainable. Governments should ban the sale of turtle eggs too. In short, consumers need to make better choices."

While some States have already banned the sale of certain types of turtle eggs, he feels that all turtles eggs should be protected.

Kassem was speaking at the recently concluded Malaysia Dive Expo 2008 (Mide) held at the Putra World Trade Centre. Over 15,000 people visited Mide which showcased great dive deals, value for money products, package, seminars and talks. There were 130 booths with more than 90 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Kassem spoke on The Coral Triangle: Climate Change, Marine Protected Areas and Tourism.

Teaching the young to dive includes showing them the proper way to secure their scuba gear.

"In some countries, especially Hong Kong, they have food cards to tell consumers about fish choices and their availability. We are working on a similar concept here."

The Coral Triangle, which sometimes is referred to as the Amazon Of The Seas, is home to 75 per cent of all coral species known to science, more than 3,000 species of reef fish and commercially valuable pelagic species including yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, bigeye tuna, parrotfish and the Mapolean wrasse.

It is home to six of the world's seven species of marine turtles including green, hawksbill, olive ridley, leatherbacks, loggerheads and flatback. Migrating whale sharks and manta rays are also attracted to the region by the abundance of plankton.

Marine mammals including dolphins, dugong, Bryde's whale, short-finned pilot whale, three species of sperm whales, humpback whales, Cuvier's and Blainville's beaked whales and the world's least studied cetacean - Longman's beaked whales - are also "residents" of the region.

Kassem said the diving industry needs to find ways to help reduce the business impact in the region by ensuring their guests dive responsibly. They should also work with marine management agencies to monitor reefs conditions and look out for illegal activities.

"They can be the eyes and ears. The tourism agencies can do their bit by helping out financially. If we lose the coral reefs, we will jeopardise the supply of fish and coastal stability," he concluded.