Antara 31 May 12;
Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - Two hectares of damaged coral reefs off the Serangan beach in Denpasar, Bali, have been rehabilitated during 2003-12 by Pesisir Karya Segara, a group formed by local fishermen.
"The rehabilitation was targeted for an area of five hectares. However, since 2003, we have managed to revive only two hectares by planting seeds of coral reefs," Pesisir Karya Segara member I Wayan Patut said here on Thursday.
He added the rehabilitation effort was being made in collaboration with the private sector, which involved the planting of 32 seedlings of branched coral reefs.
"In addition to planting the seeds of the coral, we also released 36 seahorses which will likely attract more marine fish species into this region," Patut noted.
He explained the gradual rehabilitation of coral reef over five hectares was part of a 15-year plan and was expected to finish in 2018.
However, Patut added, the process was not easy, particularly because of the difficulties involved in procuring planting equipment and seeds.
"We are grateful to the government and private institutions that are concerned about the preservation of coral reefs near Serangan beach," he said.
(T.KR-LWA/INE/KR-BSR/S012)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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