Chinese fishermen destroy coral reefs in South China Sea

New Delhi: The latest reports suggest that Chinese fishermen are deliberately destroying the coral reefs near a group of Philippine-controlled atolls in the Spratly Islands in South China Sea.

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According to the BBC report, fishermen were seen reviving the engines on their boats, sending clouds of black diesel smoke into the air. And under water, were the piles of shattered white coral branches.

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Some of the fishermen were also seen harvesting massive giant clams, at least 1m across, reports suggests.

South China Sea was once a rich coral ecosystem.