Dynamite fishing ignored in Sikka

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Coral reefs in Sikka regency in the north of Flores island are under increasing danger as residents say fishermen are using explosives "almost every day".

Siti Amina, 47, of Magepanda village, said the practice goes on even when police are in the area.

The village secretary, Lukas Wawo said last week that the sound of explosives were heard up to 30 times a day, while security personnel waited to buy the fish.

Regent Paulus Moa said the use of explosives was repeatedly reported to police but he was told that security personnel including navy patrol officers lacked transportation equipment to check the reports and take action. (yac)