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)