Fish bombing rife in Maluku

TERNATE, Maluku: The military vows to take harsh punitive action against fishery companies and individual fishermen caught damaging marine resources in their operations.

Fish bombing and the use of chemical substances for catching fish is common in Ternate and elsewhere in Maluku, said Maj. Gen. Johny Rumintant, the chief of the Trikora regional military command who oversees security in Maluku and Irian Jaya.

Security in Maluku needs special attention because its proximity with other Asia-Pacific countries facilitates crimes like poaching and smuggling by foreign companies.

Chief of the North Maluku police precinct Lt. Col. Susno Duadji said the authorities are investigating reports that a foreign company, in collaboration with local fishermen, used potassium to catch fish.

Susno said police have arrested a local businessman identified as Leo, Antara reported.

Recently, several people arrested on charges of fish bombing managed to escaped before they were brought to trial, he said. (pan)