Shrimps die of pollution

JEPARA, Central Java: Shrimp farmers along Central Java's northern coasts are likely to suffer losses of about Rp 12.4 billion (US$5.2 million) because their shrimps are dying from viruses and pollution.

Central Java governor Soewardi said a total of 4,600 hectares of shrimp ponds have been affected in Brebes, Kendal, Jepara, Demak, Semarang and Pati.

"Local government has anticipated the plague by urging banks to slacken their credit regulations for shrimp farmers," Soewardi said. (har/06)