Ipkani Monitors Coral Reef in Tanah Bumbu

Batulicin, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Indonesian Institute of Fisheries counseling (Ipkani) branch Tanah Bumbu, South Kalimantan, monitoring coral reefs in waters tourist attraction in conservation areas of the district.

Chairman of Ipkani Tanah Bumbu Eko Priyo Rahardjo in Batulicin said monitoring was conducted at the Sungai Dua Laut, Sungai Loban Sub-district, with the potential of as many as 25 clusters of coral reefs.

"We do this activity regularly in the conservation area of Tanah Bumbu waters tourist attraction to ensure seed reefs planted actually live," he said.

He said it is possible coral reef seeds can be damaged or lost due to waves or fishing boats anchor collision.

To avoid this, Ipkani continues to monitor and replace dead or damaged coral reefs seedlings.

Ipkani also gives counseling to coastal communities and fishermen in order to participate to maintain survival of coral reefs.

"This event was held for one day by a seven-member team from the provincial Marine and Fisheries Agency (DKP)," he said.

The activity was also to determine the condition of the existing diversity of coral reefs and for underwater documentation retrieval.

Diving was done using scuba in three reef clusters locations, namely the Batu Tengah, Batu Ma'buccing and Batu Mingalai.