Tapping of groundwater harm tank fish: Expert

Tapping of groundwater harm tank fish: Expert

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

A researcher with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) has
expressed concern that the condition at the Ornamental Fish
Breeding and Marketing Center in Cibinong, Bogor regency, could
be deteriorated due to the exploitation of groundwater in
Cibinong and Ciseeng districts by industries.

"Groundwater in both districts is an invaluable treasure for
researchers like me. The water has the ideal acidity to breed
ornamental fish and if we dig to a certain depth in the area, we
can find coral," IPB's water ecosystem expert Joko Purwanto said
on Wednesday, on the sidelines of a seminar on "Improving
Maritime Potential through Science, Technology and Agribusiness".

The Rp 18.5 billion (around US$2 million) ornamental fish
complex, which was inaugurated by President Megawati
Soekarnoputri in March, can accommodate fish from about 3,000
breeders and traders in Greater Jakarta. It will also function as
a research and grading station, to select and improve the quality
of the fish before they are exported to countries around the
world.

According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries,
the complex could increase the value of Indonesian ornamental
fish export to US$50 million per year, from $15 million last
year.

Indonesia captures only 7.5 percent of the total world market
for ornamental fish. This is low, considering the country is home
to 4,500 types of ornamental fish -- more than half of the
estimated total of about 8,000 species. About 300 species have
been identified and named, while around 50 have been bred and
commercialized.

Joko further said that groundwater exploitation by the
factories could have endangered the environment. "We should have
realized that the use of groundwater must be limited to minimize
environmental damage."

He added that Bogor should have learned from Jakarta, where
seawater had intruded into groundwater wells on the northern
coast up to Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta.

Joko called on the regency's environmental management agency
to regulate the use of groundwater, enforce the regulation and
impose sanctions on any violators.