CHRONOLOGY OF WALL NETS AT TANKOKO RESERVE, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

As of May 15, 1997 it was witnessed that the nets themselves had been removed presumably by their owners, leaving behind their permanent concrete mooring structures. The netting has been estimated to cost $100,000 US Dollars. By early June the permanent structures had been rendered useless presumably by "local fishermen" and others.

A Justice Department investigation is believed to be underway (but this has not been sustantiated as of June 10, 1997).

A group of local landowners, businessmen and concerned residents have formed the LEMBEH STRAITS SOCIETY -- Aimed at designating the entire NE Area of Sulawesi, from Tankoko Reserve to Bunaken Reserve a protected area with restricted fishing rights. High government officials in Jakarta are believed to support this plan and have expressed concern over the reported incidents of late.

Sept 13, 1997: Sad to report that nets are back as of early Sept. International News/film crew investigating onsite this week. Recent Issue of ACTION ASIA has run an excellent feature with photos

November 7, 1997: Update on Manado Walls of Death

Steve Morris

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