dynamite fishing

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is calling on people to practice traditional and safe methods of fishing, rather than resorting to dynamites.

Dynamite fishing is the practice of using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection.

This practice can be extremely destructive to the surrounding ecosystem, as the explosion often destroys the underlying habitat such as coral reefs that support the fish.

Fisheries officer Mark Bangkoma said this method of fishing is still common in many local areas in the country.

In a media conference hosted by Central Governor, Kila Haoda, Provincial and Local Level Government leaders warned individuals engaged in the activity that villagers are contemplating taking the law into their own hands.

“They have now told me that they will take the law into their own hands,” says Aihi Ikupu, President of the Kairuku LLG.

“I have letters from Nabua’paka, Yule Island, Delena, and Pou’kama that there are explosions nearly every night.”