Indonesia, Aug. 15 -- The Teluk Cenderawasih National Park authority in West Papua is intensifying coordination with the marine police and navy to step up patrols aimed at protecting coral reef ecosystems and marine biodiversity in the park's core zone.

The heightened patrols are intended to curb fishermen, mostly from Nabire, Central Papua, who use explosives in the waters off the Auri Islands, Roon Subdistrict, Teluk Wondama District, the park authority said.

Amid ongoing threats from destructive fishing practices, Head of the park's Region IV Management Section Umar Maruapey said Thursday that limited personnel and infrastructure remain key challenges.

According to Maruapey, the park's core zone requiring protection from destructive...