Coral reefs destroyed in Kendari

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Illegal fishing is the main cause of the destruction of coral reefs in the waters off Southeast Sulawesi, according to a senior official on Saturday.

The use of bombs and chemical substances in the fishing industry has destroyed at least one third of coral reefs in the province, said Askabul Kijo, the head of the fisheries and maritime office at the provincial administration.

Coral reefs are the habitat of fish and other sea creatures.

He said that the illegal practice had gone on unabated, despite intensive efforts by the office to stop it. -- Antara