Malaysian fishing endangered by ship debris

Damage caused to coral reefs by freighters idling in search of cargo leads to a severe shortage of game for locals.

cargo ships destroy Malaysian reefs

Fishermen in Malaysia say the increased presence of foreign cargo ships is destroying coral reefs at an alarming rate, causing a severe shortage of game for the locals.

Shipping companies have found it to be less costly and more beneficial to keep their vessels off the country’s southern coast for longer than usual in search of cargo, which has been dwindling as a result of the global economic crisis.

Fishermen say many of the ships are working in prohibited zones and the growing amounts of debris deposited by the freighters are taking a dangerous toll on their livelihoods.

Al Jazeera’s Scott Heidler reports from Johor Bahru in Malaysia.

Source: Al Jazeera