SAMOA (26 Apr 2004) -- Samoan authorities have banned fishermen from using air tanks in a bid to avoid the over-exploitation of marine resources. A fisheries official says scuba fishermen can take more fish and go deeper than traditional free divers. He says this reduces the chance for the sea creatures to breed. The official says marine life that escape free-diving fishermen replenish reefs and lagoons. | | The new ban is also intended to protect the lives of users of air tanks, many had no training in using them. At least two deaths have been known to have been caused by the bends in Samoa, where there are no decompression chambers for sufferers. SOURCE - Radio Australia |
