Proceedings of the International Cyanide Detection Testing Workshop

Political Will
Having planted the seed of reform in the live
coral reef fi shery, BFAR fi nds it frustrating
that a prolonged financial drought has
stymied the momentum it has painstakingly
built towards combating cyanide fi shing.
Resourcefulness has enabled our agency to
acquire complete laboratory equipment for
seven more laboratories. Unfortunately, our
optimism about being able to raise funds to
set up and operate at full capacity an expanded
CDT network has faded with the onset of
discouraging developments in the fi nancial
front.
It is extremely disappointing that while
BFAR’s resolve to stamp out cyanide fi shing
remains strong and unwavering, there is not
enough money to get our agenda of reform
off and running.
Conviction
BFAR is convinced that no effort to regulate,
manage and reform the marine ornamental
trade will succeed unless it is supported
by a solid enforcement tool in the form of a
credible cyanide detection testing technology.
We believe that the ISE method we have been
using since 1995 works. We have no doubt that
this technology will remain a strong deterrent
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to cyanide misuse in live fish collection
especially in provinces and municipalities
where the problem is prevalent.
Needs and Wants
BFAR is hoping for financial assistance
in the form of a long-term grant that will
enable us to re-invigorate our anti-cyanide
fi shing campaign. As we already have seven
brand-new complete CDT equipment on
top of the six existing ones that may need
minor refurbishing, BFAR has the potential
to set in motion an expanded network of
13 laboratories strategically located in major
centers of ornamental fi sh collection. But we
need operating funds to be able to hire project
management staff and consultants, pay rent,
procure chemicals and supplies, acquire
on-shore and off-shore mobility, conduct
monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS),
support enforcement activities, undertake
information and education activities and
provide skills enhancement trainings to
project staff.
BFAR is also open to collaborative work in the
development of a simpler – and, if possible,
portable - CDT test. The development of
a method particularly ideal for fi eld use will
be benefi cial to BFAR given the country’s
archipelagic character.