Coral reefs in S.E. Sulawesi damaged

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