Fishing firms use potassium

Fishing firms use potassium

SORONG, Irian Jaya: The Sorong legislative council has called on the local administration to take action against fishing companies using toxic substances which have contaminated the sea.

Chairman of the council's United Development Party faction Hasmi Moha said yesterday that many fishing companies have used cyanide potassium in their operations. Many drums of the substance have been found at their disposal.

"The toxic substance is mostly used to catch aquarium fish for export," he said.

He said the use of the toxic substance has effected local traditional fishermen's health and economy, as well as having degraded the marine ecosystem.(rms)