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.