Thousand Islands' reefs in trouble

Thousand Islands' reefs in trouble

JAKARTA (JP): Uncontrolled harvest of corals for export has
left about 75 percent of the coral reefs in the Thousand Islands,
north of Jakarta, in a deplorable condition, an official said.

The corals are mostly exported to Europe and sold as aquarium
decorations, Djafar Tirtosentono, chief of the Thousand Islands
Tourism Association, said Monday.

Coral reefs are one of the main tourist attractions in the
island group, which is a popular weekend destination for wealthy
Jakarta residents.

"Now that only 25 percent of coral reefs around the islands
are left intact, what is left to attract tourists?" Djafar said
as quoted by Antara.

Djafar called on companies licensed to exploit the coral reefs
to stop their operations.

Fishermen who cast their nets in shallow water also contribute
to the damage, he said.

Djafar criticized the government for issuing permits allowing
companies to exploit coral reefs, despite the fact that Indonesia
has ratified an international convention on the trade in
endangered flora and fauna.

"The government allows harvest of certain types of coral, but
companies harvest all corals indiscriminately because the
authorities are unable to supervise their operations," he said.

"Money is all that they think about and they do not care about
the long term effect they have on the reefs."

According to Djafar, about 41 percent of Indonesia's coral
reefs have been badly damaged due to uncontrolled exploitation
and fish bombing. Coral exports between 1992 and 1997 earned
Indonesia only US$10 million, a pittance in comparison to the
revenues generated annually by tourists, many of whom are
attracted here by Indonesia's beautiful and diverse marine life.

Some companies buy corals from fishermen then export them to
Europe, he added. (pan)