Resurrecting Indonesia’s embattled coral reefsーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Indonesia is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world. But it has also been plagued by one of the most destructive forms of fish extraction, blast fishing. We follow a group of islanders who are determined to reverse the damage. Indonesia’s coastline and coral reefs are home to a stunning diversity of marine life. But decades of blast fishing have caused seemingly irreparable damage to this spectacular natural wonder. This method of fishing involves detonating dynamite and other explosives underwater and then hauling in the fish that are stunned or killed by the blast. Although banned in Indonesia since 2004, blast fishing has continued throughout the country’s waters. This is an example of its destructiveness. Countless explosions have left nothing but shattered corals, a barren, lifeless seascape. Still, hope exists. Bang Lumpo Island has a population of just over 5,000. Approximately 80% of the islanders work as fishers or in seafood processing. Shafru Harij Joe is the head of an organization engaged in coral restoration. He founded the group 5 years ago with 10 other islanders who were worried about the effects of dynamite fishing on local reefs. As an islander, I feel a responsibility. Coral reefs are vital both for the environment and for our livelihoods. They are using specially designed metal frames to grow what one day will become the makings of a coral reef. The metal frames measure about 90 cm in diameter. When viewed from above, they resemble a star, hence the name reef star. Members of the group regularly visit the site where they’re propagating young corals. Corals feed on plankton and grow using nutrients produced through photosynthesis by symbiotic phytolanton. By elevating the corals off the seafloor, nutrientrich water can flow in more easily and there’s more sunlight, enabling the corals to grow at 1 and 1/2 times the normal rate. Once the corals reach a certain size, the cutings are taken and attached to nearby reef stars laid out on the seabed. As many as 15 cutings are attached to each frame. In this way, they’re creating the foundation of an artificial reef on the remains of corals destroyed by blast fishing. Once a month, the members carefully monitor the coral’s growth and manually remove any algae or debris that has accumulated. Marine scientist Shiaudin Yusf is wellversed in the ecology of corals in Indonesian waters. He says the reef stars are well suited for regeneration in areas destroyed by dynamite fishing. The reef star frames provide a stable foundation that promotes coral growth. Furthermore, the spaces between the iron frames provide a space where fish can hide and use as spawning grounds, fostering a rich ecosystem. One of the members, Kiki, is taking part with a special sense of purpose. Kiki left school at age 10 to become a fisher to help support his family. One way he caught fish was through dynamite fishing. However, when the official ban came into effect about 20 years ago, and having seen other fishers accidentally injure themselves in mistimed explosions, and fearing for his own safety, he gave up blast fishing. He now makes a living through the fishing and processing of sea cucumbers. I want to make amends for all the environmental damage I caused. Our parents’ generation and our own has done enough blast fishing. Kiki’s attempt at atonement appears to be paying off. Reef stars were placed on this site 5 years ago. The coral’s branches have grown out so much that the metal frames are barely visible. Schools of fish have also returned. To date, the organization has installed 200 reef stars covering an area of about 0.8 hectares. That’s equivalent to one soccer field. [Music] Determined to help restore the local biodiversity, Shiaafru and his colleagues plan to continue replenishing the corals off Bang Lumpo Island, one reef star at a time. We want to restore all the destroyed coral reefs. That is my dream and the dream of my colleagues and we’ll continue our activities for that purpose. So much devotion. It really is moving to see how people are coming together to correct past malpractices to rejuvenate their seas. According to the marine scientist, reef stars are already proving their effectiveness in other parts of the world, such as Australia and Saudi Arabia, and could be put to use elsewhere. Sounds very promising.
Blast fishing has laid waste to Indonesia’s coral reefs. Islanders are coming together to correct past malpractice to rejuvenate their seas.
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