Damaged coral reefs to be studied

Damaged coral reefs to be studied

SORONG, Irian Jaya: Forensic experts from the Ujungpandang
police force will soon be dispatched to study the coral reefs and
other marine life in the waters off the Mayaban Island, Misool
district, which have been destroyed by potassium cyanide.

Antara quoted the accusations of the director of the Irian
Jaya police investigation unit, Col. Leonard Siagian, who said on
Saturday that a local fishing company, PT Bina Usaha Pratama, has
been using the poison in its operations in the area.

The police have so far caught 22 workers of the company using
the potassium. Around one kilometer of coral reef along the
Mayaban beach has been completely destroyed, the agency reported.

"The police will be tough on violators, especially when it
concerns environmental degradation," Siagian said.

The same forensic team in 1993 found 12 habitats in the area
destroyed by potassium. The locations are Mios Island, Mabo,
Marwarai, Warmanai, Jeref, Sako Bay, Sampe Bay, Saleo Bay,
Tanjung Ombarak, Kawe Island and Kawe Bay. (swe)