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. The frequently improvised nature of the explosives
used also means danger for the fishermen as well, with accidents and injuries
-an explosion can kill more than 2500 fish within a relatively contained area
The Purpose of Blast Fishing: the explosives cost two US dollars or less to construct, while
the fish yields that they produce can bring in as much as 40 US dollars, making it cost-
effective for at least some people involved with the process
Environmental Impacts:
Coral Reef Impacts: The explosives used in blast fishing can release shockwaves that are
threatening to marine ecosystems in general, and coral reef hbitats. The Coral reefs may
require at least a century to return to normal after blast fishing has damaged their live
coral, and that is assuming that their potential regeneration will not be disrupted by any
other forms of outside interference.
Impact on Animal Life: animals other than fish, including sea turtles, can be affected by
the explosions from blast fishing. The explosives used in blast fishing are often made with
fertilizers and kerosene, which can act as environmental pollutants when they are
introduced into marine environments.
Control:
Community-based enforcement

In Tanzania, one of the few methods to help manage blast fishing is a joint approach
between fisheries officers and village committees. Working together, they help the
enforcement agencies recognize offenders by patrolling the sea as well as providing
information collected in the local villages. As a result, this has assisted the enforcement
agencies to reduce the occurrence of fish blasting from an average of 8 per day to zero. It
has also provided sustainable funding to continue the efficient patrols, a certified planning
institution, and suitable training and information to prosecutors and judges.
Blast detection system

This method involves a triangulation system of hydrophones one meter apart that is
capable of detecting blast events and at the same time eliminating other sources of
underwater noise. The goal of the system is to improve and assist the effectiveness of
fisheries patrol.
Countries:
Indonesia

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
Tanzania

In northern Tanzania, blast fishing, which is illegal, has resurfaced in recent years as a key
danger to its coral reefs