Dynamite Fishing/Blast Fishing

Blast fishing or dynamite fishing is the practice of using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy
collection. This often illegal practice can be extremely destructive to the surrounding ecosystem, as the
explosion often destroys the underlying habitat (such as coral reefs) that supports the fish.[1] The frequently
improvised nature of the explosives used also means danger for the fishermen as well, with accidents and
injuries.
Although outlawed, the practice remains widespread in Southeast Asia, as well as in the Aegean Sea, and
coastal Africa. In the Philippines, where the practice has been well-documented,[2] blast fishing was known prior
to World War I, as this activity is mentioned by Ernst Jnger in his book Storm of Steel.[3] One 1999 report
estimated that some 70,000 fishermen (12% of the Philippines' total fishermen) engaged in the practice.[4]
Extensive hard-to-patrol coastlines, the lure of lucrative, easy catches and in some cases outright apathy or
corruption on the part of local officials make enforcement of blast fishing bans an ongoing challenge for
authorities.[5]
Explosives being prepared for blast fishing
Commercial dynamite or, more commonly, homemade constructed using a glass bottle with layers of powdered
potassium nitrate and pebbles or an ammonium nitrate and kerosene mixture are often employed. Such devices,
though, may explode prematurely without warning, and have been known to injure or kill the person using
them, or innocent bystanders.[1]
Underwater shock waves produced by the explosion stun the fish and cause their swim to rupture. This
rupturing causes an abrupt loss of buoyancy; a small number of fish float to the surface, but most sink to the sea
floor. The explosions indiscriminately kill large numbers of fish and other marine organisms in the vicinity and
can damage or destroy the physical environment, including extensive damage to coral reefs.
Countries using Dynamite Fishing
Indonesia [edit]
Blast fishing in Indonesia has been around for over 50 years and continues to transform its one-of-a-kind coral
reefs into desolate gray moonscapes, as fishermen continue to use explosives or cyanide to kill or stun their
prey. Dive operators and conservationists say Indonesia is not doing enough to protect the waters off
the Komodo Islands. They say enforcement declined following the exit of a U.S.-based conservation group that
helped fight destructive fishing practices.
Philippines
A 1987 study concluded that blast fishing was then very widespread in the Philippines, estimating that 25% of
all municipal fish landings (equivalent to 250,000 metric tons per year) were from blast fishing.[17] Most of the
blast fishing is however done in the south, near Palawan and the south China Sea.[18] A study conducted in 2002
reported that destructive fishing methods had caused the degradation of about 70% of Philippine coral reefs and
reduced annual fisheries production by about 177,500 metric tons in the 1990s
Tanzania
In northern Tanzania, blast fishing, which is illegal, has resurfaced in recent years as a key danger to its coral
reefs. This has occurred even though major institutions like local communities and the district government have
been put in place for enhanced fisheries management. The damage of blast fishing in the area has contributed to
unstable coral reefs, discouragement of tourism investors, and a threat to the habitat of coelacanths in the
region. Other impacts of blast fishing in the area include reports that citizens have died or lost limbs due to the

blasting. The northern part of the country has many beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands. However, many
investors feel and tourists are discouraged due to the fish blasting.[23]
Effects of dynamite fishing:

NATURE
1. Destruction of the coral reefs.
Once a fisherman throws dynamite to the sea there is a great possibility that they might hit a coral reef. A coral
reef serves as a breeding place and gives protection to the baby fish. So, if the remaining coral reefs are
destroyed we might encounter a seafood shortage and some fishermen might lose their jobs.
2. More endangered marine species.
In the past years we have lots of fishes in our seas but because of this illegal activities many fishes are now
endangered. Because most of the coral reefs in our country are destroyed, fish loses the place where they could
reproduce. We will definitely lose a lot in our resources if this kind of activity will continue in the next years.
Some endangered marine species:

Turtle

Blue Whale

Sperm Whale

Steller Sea lion

Humpback

Whale
3. Sea creatures
Fish and other aquatic animals are very sensitive to these chemicals. Most of them reduce their swimming
abilities.
Other effect includes delayed mortality and altered growth patterns.
Causes of dynamite fishing:
1. POVERTY
Poverty is a major problem in our country today. This is an issue that leads to other issues, especially in farflung communities. Because of poverty, people living near the sea or those who make fishing their source of
living resort to desperate measures to augment their income. Engaging in dynamite fishing is one of these
desperate measures.
2. LACK OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Dynamite fishing is an alarming phenomenon because of its adverse effects on the ecosystem. But some people
say they cannot avoid engaging in the practice because there are no other job opportunities for them. Some
fisher folk say its better to go to the sea and fish (using whatever means, including dynamites) than doing
nothing at all.
3. IGNORANCE
Many people are not aware of the consequence of their use of dynamites in fishing. Others do not care. Many
think only about the money, forgetting about the effects of what they do to their environment, their world.
4. LAZINESS AND GREED

There are some people who are educated, who have the money, but are lazy and greedy. They want easy money,
so they resort to the use of dynamites. Greed also drives people to use the illegal method so that they will more
catch in a short period of time.
5. LACK OF DISCIPLINE
Among all these reasons, lack of discipline is the most important. It doesnt really matter if a person is poor,
uneducated, or there is no opportunity for work. What is important is they have discipline. There might be no
jobs, but they can still catch fish by using other means.

News
Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales Despite receiving the best care possible during the 3 week rehabilitation due
to injuries suffered because of dynamite fishing, Julius, the surviving Frasers dolphin who was transported
from Pangasinan to the Ocean Adventure theme parks Dolphin Rescue Center in a 5-hour journey, did not
manage to survive despite the 24/7 effort by marine mammal experts and trained volunteers here.
LAST MOMENTS Despite receiving the best care possible at the Dolphin Rescue Center of Ocean
Adventure theme park in Subic Bay, Julius the Frasers dolphin rescued with injuries from dynamite fishing
has died. (Franco G. Regala)
Lem Aragones, President of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN), said that caring for
Julius is another testament to how far the Stranding Network has come in terms of effective cooperation
between agencies like BFAR, local government units, and members of the civilian population where these
incidents occur.
Aragones, also a Professor of marine mammal science at the Institute of Environmental Science & Meteorology
at UP Diliman added that these individuals were most likely from the same group, as Frasers dolphins are
often found in large groups of up to several hundred animals. The Frasers dolphins are a deep water species so
they may have been attracted into the Lingayen Gulf by the abundance of Acetes, locally called alamang,
which have noticeably increased recently.
He said that out of the 31 dolphins involved, 22 died, eight were released back into the ocean, and one, now
named Julius, was unable to swim on his own and required ongoing medical attention.
Aragones said that an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) such as the one that happened to these animals is an
unprecedented stranding that involves a significant number of animals going to shore in one geographic area
under conditions that require immediate intervention.
The group of dolphins, which were found along the coast of thirteen different towns in Pangasinan and La
Union, are suspected by authorities to be victims of dynamite fishing.
Government Action/Solution
Stop dynamite fishing once and for all!
Dynamite fishing (homemade bomb) is set off under water to kill fish for easy collection. The dead fish
floating to the surface are then simply scooped up. The explosives used destroy the marine environment,
leaving it devoid of life. Dynamite fishing has contributed to massive destruction of Southeast Asian coral
reefs over the past 20 years. Large blasted areas are very slow to recover because corals have difficulty
establishing on loose or sandy substrate. Scientific studies showed that reef can take more than a century to
recover once the live coral cover has been destroyed. Dynamite fishing is one of the most pervasive fishing
techniques and it is banned by most countries.

In southern Philippines, between Malaysia (Borneo) and Philippines (Palawan) illegal dynamite fishing is still
a common practice. Extensive hard-to-patrol including in marine reserves has made dynamite fishing
uncontrollable in southern Philippines. However, by stopping consumers from buying dynamited fish, sellers
especially illegal fishermen will find themselves with a non-lucrative market explains ESI President Pierre
Fidenci during a meeting at the Philippine border in northern Borneo. He added Stopping people from buying
fish that have been dynamited is likely to be the most effective and feasible way to stop fishermen from killing
coral reefs and marine life in an unsustainable manner.
ESI is targeting an area between Borneo and Palawan Island (see map) where dynamite fishing is
common. Finding dynamited fish in local markets is unfortunately quite common observed ESI president
during his field visit in 2008. The advantage is that we have small controllable market in each island in this
region. By showing that we can stop selling dynamited fish at the main market in the biggest island in the
region, then we will apply the same model to other islands. In exchange of local government unit and
community collaboration, ESI will provide sustainable purifying water treatment systems that are much
needed in this part of the world.
By donating to Endangered Species International, you will help us to:

conduct comprehensive dynamite fishing campaign in the region Malaysia (Borneo) and Philippines
(Palawan);

allow our local teams to patrol markets and restaurants to remove dynamited fish from being sold;

succeed in passing local legislations to support the end of dynamite fishing;

provide training and scientific materials at local universities and enforcement agencies to support
marine conservation;

purchase small water purifier systems that will be donated to local communities that shows progress in
stopping dynamite fishing.