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.