The more coral reefs we have, the more fish can live in the habitat. This means that fishermen can increase their catchPalu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - At least 60 percent of the coral reefs in the Togean Islands National Park (BTNKT) in Tojo Una-Una District, Central Sulawesi, have suffered mild to serious damage.
"Some 40 percent of the coral reefs have suffered serious damage, while 20 percent were mildly damaged," head of the Togean Islands National Park Bustang stated here on Wednesday.
According to Bustang, the coral reef damage was an impact of environmental transformation and the use of explosives in illegal fishing.
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The damage has reduced fish supply in the waters, he remarked, adding that the authority had attempted to recover the coral reef habitat through transplantation.
"The more coral reefs we have, the more fish can live in the habitat. This means that fishermen can increase their catch," Bustang emphasized.
The national park has called on local residents in the islands to partake in efforts to preserve the environment and stay alert to illegal fishing activities in the Tomini Bay waters, as part of the conservation area.
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"We have environment cadres, and we involve them to protect the conservation area, as they make a living from the nature's potential," he affirmed.
The BTNKT covers a conservation area of 363,150 hectares comprising sea, island, and forest.
"Forest in our territory that covers 25 thousand hectares of area, all of which are protected forest. There are no more production forests left," Bustang noted.
Renowned for its white sandy beaches and clear blue seas, Togean Islands is situated in the middle of the World Coral Reef Triangle and home to a mangrove forest that is home to 33 types of mangroves.
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Translator: Mohamad Ridwan, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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