Coral reefs in S.E. Sulawesi damaged

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Only half of the coral reefs in Southeast Sulawesi waters are in a good condition while the rest have been damaged due to improper fishing methods, a senior researcher warned on Monday.

Dr. La Ode M. Aslan of Haluolo University said in Kendari unless the authorities acted immediately to put an end to the use of dynamite and chemicals for fishing, the coral environment in the region's waters would be totally destroyed.

He appealed to the provincial administration to intensify control by increasing the number of security officers and by using speed boats to pursue fishermen using such illegal methods.

"Fishermen also need to be made aware of the eventual extinction of fish if coral reefs are destroyed, while offering them other alternatives by providing them with more appropriate fishing equipment and introducing fish culture technology," the expert concluded. --Antara