Bougainville a ‘dumping ground’ for fishing vessels

There is now a call to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to consult with the National Government to protect wildlife in Bougainville.

The call is more particularly to do with marine life creatures like whales and dolphins that are often found  floating dead in the seas  of Bougainville.

A local fisherman from Taiof Island close to Buka town, Bonny Baia, told PNG loop it was sad seeing these lovely creatures, especially whales, being harpooned and then they get washed ashore dead on beaches.

“There are already rules  but they have to be enforced fully by the relevant authorities here on the ground,” Mr Baia said.

“These gentle giants like whales, dolphins and even turtles are just dying unnecessarily due to pollution and just negligence by us human beings,” he said.

“The Department of Environment and Conservation need to set up an office in every part of PNG including Bougainville to help and educate us on how to rescue these animals when they’re being trapped in nets, and when they are caught in oil spills.’’

Without the surveillance of the PNGDF patrol boats, Bougainville is being used as a dumping ground for illegal foreign fishing vessels.

Wasted fish nets and rubbish are being dumped in the seas surrounding  the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

 

Author: 
Peterson Tseraha