Despite being outlawed, blast fishing, which Indonesia banned in 1985, is still widespread. Population growth, economic pressure, and declining catches often drive fisherman to destroy their resource base for a quick profit. "Programs that successfully decrease this destructive fishing practice and restore value to the ecosystem are critical, both economically and biologically," the researchers conclude.
This study is published in the current issue of Conservation Biology. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net
Conservation Biology is a top-ranked journal in the fields of Ecology and Environmental Science and has been called, "required reading for ecologists throughout the world." It is published on behalf of the Society for Conservation Biology.
Helen Fox is a Marine Conservation Biologist and Senior Program Officer in the Conservation Science Program, World Wildlife Fund. She has worked extensively in reef recovery programs.
Dr. Fox is available for questions and interviews.
Conservation Biology