Coral reefs endangered

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A recent survey has found that 33 coral reefs in Indonesian waters have sustained massive damage.

Oceanologist Anugrah Nontji of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences said here yesterday that only 6.5 percent of the country's coral reefs are still in "very good condition." Only 22.5 percent of Indonesia's reefs are classified as being in "good condition", while 43 percent are already damaged.

"This is a warning how endangered our coral reefs are," said, as quoted by Antara. "We are racing against time to save them, and we need cooperation from other parties to do so."

"Research institutes cannot deal with the problem alone. The government, non-governmental organizations and the public should all pitch in," Nontji added. (swe)