Tomini Bay need your help!

 

The Gulf of Tomini has been suffering from environmental destruction due to illegal fishing by using explosives and trawl nets. The absence of law enforcement causes this to occur. Enviromental activists have reported that in Pohuwato regency, fishermen still use the destructive method to get larger catches. According to Nilmawati of Destructive Fishing Watch (DFW) Indonesia, fish populations are steadily declining. “Bombings destroy corals, which function as reproduction sites for fish,” Nilmawati said.

Fishermen in Lemito and Popayato said dynamite fishing can get them at least 700 kilograms of fish per day and trawl-netting 200 kilograms of fish per trip. Meanwhile, fishermen who use more environmental friendly tools like fishing rods or spears, catch less than 70 kilograms of fish each day. According to DFW research, In 1990, coral coverage was recorded over 883,620 hectares off Lemito. In 2014, the reef had been reduced by 134 hectares. 

Nilmawati said the situation would be worsen if nothing was done. “Coral growth is very slow. We are only seeing around a centimetre of growth each year,” she said. The two international maritime events, the Sail Tomini and the Boalemo Festival, are expected to boost protection efforts by local administrations and raise awareness among fishermen, specifically by providing a solution for dynamite fishing.