Blast fishing or dynamite fishing describes the practice of using dynamite or other explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection. This practice can be extremely destructive to the surrounding ecosystem, as the shockwaves often destroy the underlying habitat (such as coral reefs close to a coastline) that supports the fish. The frequently improvised nature of the explosives used also means danger for the fishermen as well, with accidents and injuries. Dynamite is an explosive based on the explosive potential of nitroglycerin using diatomaceous earth (Kieselguhr) as an adsorbent. ... An ecosystem, a contraction of ecological and system, refers to the collection of components and processes that comprise, and govern the behavior of, some defined subset of the biosphere. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ...

Although outlawed, the practice remains widespread in economically depressed areas of the Philippines, where the practice dates back to even before the Second World War; one 1999 report estimated that some 70,000 fishermen (12% of the nation's total number) engage in the practice today.[1] Extensive hard-to-patrol coastlines; the lure of lucrative, easy catches; and in some cases outright apathy or corruption on the part of local officials make enforcement of blast fishing bans an ongoing challenge for Philippine authorities. Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ...

The practice is also found in other regions of Southeast Asia, the South China Sea, the Aegean Sea and coastal Africa. Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ... The South China Sea, showing surrounding countries and neighbouring seas and oceans The South China Sea is a marginal sea south of China. ... The Aegean Sea. ... A world map showing the continent of Africa. ...

In contrast to the economic fishing done in the Third World, blast fishing is a dangerous and illegal form of recreation amongst undereducated rural dwellers in the United States. Often sealed mason jars filled with water and dry ice are employed. These devices explode without warning, and have been known to injure or kill the person using them, or innocent bystanders. M-80 fireworks are sometimes used as well. For the Jamaican reggae band, see Third World (band). ... The cast of The Dukes of Hazzard, representing an assortment of redneck stereotypes. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House illuminated under New Years Eve Fireworks 2005 Fireworks in Kraków, Poland for the 100th anniversary of Wisła Kraków FC. A fireworks event (also called a fireworks display or fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects...

Osama Bin Laden and Mullah Omar are said to have enjoyed fishing with hand grenades in Afghanistan while the Taliban was in power. [2] Osama bin Muhammad bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: ‎; born March 10, 1957 [1]), most commonly known as Osama bin Laden is a militant Islamist and one of the founders of al-Qaeda. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A hand grenade is a hand-held bomb, made to be thrown by a soldier. ... Flag flown by the Taliban. ...

See also

• Environmental effects of fishing

External links

• Blast Fishing and Coral Reef Damage
• Conservation Frontlines: Troubled Waters