Turtle poaching rife in Aceh

Turtle poaching rife in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Aceh governor Syamsuddin Mahmud has ordered authorities on Banyak islands, southern Aceh, to stop green turtle poaching and the use of explosives for fishing.

"I have received reports that local and foreign fishermen poach green turtles and catch fish using explosives in Pulau Banyak," Syamsuddin said in a meeting in South Aceh on Monday night.

He said the Banyak islands subdistrict, covering 99 isles with about 4,300 inhabitants, is to be developed into a tourism resort. The region also has potential for sea fishing and coconut and clove plantation, he said.

Meanwhile head of the Banyak islands subdistrict Salmunis reported that more than 700 foreign tourists visited the region last year. (imn)