Eight arrested for fish bombing

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Navy caught red-handed eight fishermen last week while they were bombing fish in the Kaledupa waters off Buton island, the Navy said yesterday.

The Kendari naval chief, Col. Gito Oetomo, said the suspects and evidence had been transferred to the police for prosecution.

Kaledupa is one of the sprawling Tukangbesi islands, a mecca for divers. Environmentalists have often called for better security to protect Marine resources in the marine tourist resort area.

Gito said the Navy had been intensifying patrols around the islands, Antara reported. (pan)