Once widespread, bomb and poison fishing has significantly decreased, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the regional fisheries department, alongside representatives from local civil society organizations and academia. Nevertheless, ongoing threats persist from practices such as net fishing and the use of boat anchors, which continue to endanger delicate coral reef ecosystems. Plastic pollution compounds these challenges, posing a significant hazard to coral reefs and marine life in general.
The Higaro Halmahera Lestari team has been deeply engaged in partnering with coastal communities to enhance awareness regarding the adverse impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. They emphasize the critical importance of marine environment protection and advocate for the adoption of sustainable fishing practices.
Another pressing issue arises from the proliferation of unsustainable fish farming methods, predominantly carried out in natural lakes. These practices result in water pollution due to the accumulation of fish excrement, leading to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems. Furthermore, they exacerbate the proliferation of invasive water hyacinth, which increasingly clogs waterways and blankets lake surfaces.
Addressing these challenges necessitates prioritizing the promotion of sustainable fish farming practices. Drawing upon local examples, such as cultivating fish in rice fields situated away from vital freshwater sources, offers a viable solution to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with current fish farming practices.
