Researchers Estimate Over 8,000 Annual Bomb Fishing Detonations in Indonesian Waters

Prevalence of Blast Fishing

Fishers off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, are estimated to detonate more than 8,000 underwater explosives each year. This practice, known as blast fishing, uses plastic bottles filled with explosives to stun and kill fish within a 90-foot radius. It is a globally banned technique documented in at least 34 countries.

Environmental Impact on Coral Reefs

The explosions are turning the Coral Triangle, a highly biodiverse marine ecosystem, into rubble. Researchers from the Zoological Society of London recorded over 3,500 explosions in 3,600 hours of recording in Indonesia's Spermonde Archipelago. Ben Williams, the lead author of the study, stated that bomb fishing is likely the leading cause of reef loss in the area, with one bomb capable of destroying 200 square feet of reef.

Methodology for Detection

In 2023, British and Indonesian researchers deployed $150 audio recorders on the seafloor to monitor detonations. They utilized open-source AI software to analyze 16 months of audio data in a few hours, identifying potential explosions. Each suspected sound wave was then manually verified to distinguish between bombs and misfiring boat engines.

Consequences for Marine Life

Blast fishing not only destroys coral habitats but also impacts marine life directly. Fish caught using this method often have ruptured internal organs and burst swim bladders. The loud explosions, which travel over four times faster in water than air, can be detected from over 10 miles away, indicating the widespread disturbance to the marine environment.