Some part of Coral Reef in Longlone boat island and Maungmakan boat island in Dawei coastal areas, Taninthayi Region are being stolen. As a result, these coral reef are in danger of destroying.

The coral reef structure buffers shorelines against waves, storms, and floods, helping to prevent loss of life, property damage, and erosion. When these reefs are damaged or destroyed, the absence of this natural barrier can increase the damage to coastal communities from normal wave action and violent storms.

These stolen pieces of coral reef are being sold at Maungmakan beach and some places. The selling of these stolen reef were spread on facebook recently. As a result, locals and environmentalists are in great anxiety over the news.  Longlone boat island is permitted tourism for this season and people concerned are in concerned over the news and it may affect the local tourism industry.

"I saw the news on facebook. If you found this kind of selling by yourself, please inform us. We have to explain them and if they commit again, we have to take action," said Tint Aung,  Officer of Department of Fishery of Dawei District.

Shops in Maungmakan beach will be checked. According to the investigation, these coral reef are stolen from Longlone boat island and Maungmakan boat island in Dawei coastal areas and the thieves sold these things again at the souvenir shops at the beach. A coral reef depending on its size vary from Ks. 3000 to Ks.50,000 each. Some of those coming to beach buy these coral reef and majority are Chinese.

"It must be prevented selling coral reef by taking serious action. If required, it must be submitted at the parliament,"s aid MP Bo Htwe from Longlone Township constituency (1).