Raja Ampat Forms Public Supervision Group to Cocerve Coral Reefs

Waisai, W Papua, (Antara) - The Raja Ampat district administration has set up a public supervision group to protect and conserve its coral reefs. "Local fishermen, who used to conduct destructive fishing practices, have been persuaded to help protect the coral reefs by joining the public supervision group. They also help to patrol the surrounding waters," Syafri Tuhurea of the Raja Ampat maritime and fishery office stated here on Monday. The local fishermen have stopped practicing destructive fishing methods, but those from other regions sometime illegally fish in the waters of Raja Ampat by using bombs, he remarked. "They are driven away if they are spotted by the local fishermen. But, they usually sneak out when the local fishermen and officers are not around," Syafri pointed out. The public supervision group is expected to promote a sustainable coral reef preservation program involving the local community, he affirmed. Tuherea also added that public awareness regarding coral reef conservation in Raja Ampat District, West Papua Province, has improved. "In the past, there were many traditional fishermen who conducted destructive fishing practices by using bombs. Now, their number has decreased significantly," Syafri stated. The Raja Ampat district administration has carried out public awareness campaigns for the conservation of coral reefs over the past five years, he noted. The public were informed that since the diversity of the marine ecosystem was not solely to be cherished by the current generation, but the future generations as well, therefore, it should be protected and preserved. In line with the Tomolol Declaration issued in 2003, every stakeholder in Raja Ampat has agreed to sustainably conserve and manage marine resources. Raja Ampat's marine conservation area totals almost 1.2 million hectares. The best preserved coral reefs are found in Dampier Strait located between Waigeo and Batanta isles. In the southern part of Raja Ampat, Misool isle has endemic coral reefs, which are unique to this area. (*)