Work

Coelacanth population, conservation and fishery activity at Grande Comore, West Indian Ocean

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: The only known population of coelacanths, in the Comores, western Indian Ocean, is endangered by human predabon.Historical catch data from Grande Comore reveal that annual catch rates increased steadily from 1954 until the 1970s.This trend was temporarily interrupted due to an international policy introducing motorized boats and promoting offshore fishing techniques.Coelacanths are only caught from traditional unmotorized outrigger canoes as an incidental by-catch of deep water line fishing.A complete survey of all motorized and unmotorized vessels in 1995 at Grande Comore in comparison to earlier years indicated that a recent decreased use of motors and increase of unmotorized canoe fishing has led to an increase in coelacanth catches.Conservation measures and strategies for reducing the fishing pressure exerted on coelacanths are discussed.The southivest coast of Grande Comore should be designated as a nature reserve and protected area where immediate protection measures should be taken, an opinion wh~ch is supported by Comonan authorities.

Source: Marine Ecology Progress Series

DOI: 10.3354/meps166231

Authors: R Plante, H Fricke, K Hissmann

Institutions: Station Marine d'Endoume, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

Language: English

Topic: Ichthyology and Marine Biology

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft