Why coral reefs damaged by blast fishing struggle to recover—even after decades

Why coral reefs damaged by blast fishing struggle to recover—even after decades

When we think about rapid decline in coral reefs, climate change is often the first culprit that comes to mind—bringing heat waves, bleaching events, and intensified cyclones.

Why coral reefs damaged by blast fishing struggle to recover — even after decades

When we think about rapid decline in coral reefs, climate change often first that comes to mind — bringing heatwaves, bleaching events, and intensified cyclones. But in parts of Indonesia, an old, lasting wound still lingers beneath the waves — inflicted not just by warming seas, but also by explosives. Blast fishing — where fishers hurl homemade bombs made from fertiliser and kerosene into the sea — is still being used. This illegal fishing met…