Mollusk population endangered

Mollusk population endangered

PALU, Southeast Sulawesi: Triton mollusks (charonis tritonis)
in the provincial waters are facing extinction due to the pursuit
of the species in the past few years.

"The threat is obvious, given the fact that local fishermen
find it very difficult to catch these mollusks," head of fish
resources and the environment protection of the provincial
fishery office, Yahya Wattimena, told Antara here on Thursday.

Yahya said the depletion was of concern because the mollusk is
listed as a protected species. There are 18 species of mollusks
in the province protected by law.

Yahya said local fishermen defy the law, because of the high
market price for triton mollusks.

He said his office was promoting Law No. 5/1990 on Natural
Conservation among the fishermen in order to prevent the mollusks
from disappearing.