Maluku's coral reefs in danger

Maluku's coral reefs in danger

AMBON, Maluku: A large number of coral reefs in Maluku
province have begun to show signs of deterioration due to the use
of chemical substances to catch fish, a local expert warned
yesterday.

"In our research at Seram island, we discovered that people
were using homemade bombs and potassium to catch fish," Nietty V.
Huliseland, a senior researcher from Ambon's Pattimura
University, said.

However, she noted that researchers could do nothing to stop
the practice because it would badly affect the livelihood of
local people.

"People will only stop (the practice) once the government
provides them with alternative job opportunities," she said, as
quoted by Antara.

According to Nietty, it will take 50 years to restore the
coral reefs to a healthy condition.