Aceh coral reefs endangered

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Ninety percent of the coral reefs around the Banyak islands have been damaged because of the use of dynamite and cyanide by fishermen in the area, Antara reported.

Deputy head of the Banyak Island Foundation, Mahmud Bangkaru, said that the explosive has also killed marine biota consumed by the fish.

Apparently, the fishermen got their potassium for free from some businessmen, he said.

"They do not understand that potassium could damage the coral reefs, the habitat of the fish. Without the coral reefs, they won't find any fish," Mahmud said. (rms)