Coral reefs in Maluku in danger

Coral reefs in Maluku in danger

AMBON, Maluku: Ecologists have expressed their concern over
the rapid devastation of Ambon Bay's coral reefs due to dockyard
establishment and industrial waste.

A researcher from the National Institute of Sciences'
Oceanology Research and Development Center, Heryanto, said the
construction of the dockyard at Silale village beach, was
threatening the sustainability of coral reefs which have been a
central object of tourism for years.

Another coral reef expert, Fredy Leatemia, said the land
clearing for settlements and farming and industrial development
also posed a major threat.

The industrial and domestic waste being dumped into the sea is
extremely hazardous to various oceanic life which is a source of
survival for the coral reefs.

"We are concerned about the situation as it threatens the
beautiful scenery of Ambon Bay's underwater life that is admired
by tourists," Fredy told Antara yesterday. (09)