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)