Abstract
The traditional methods of deepsea handline fishing in the Comoros are described. The main target species is the oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus, and the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae is caught as a bycatch. In recent years motorised dugout canoes as well as outboard- and inboard-powered boats have been introduced into the fishery, and more efficient fishing tackle has become available. The more modern gear is intended for use on pelagic fishes and has added a new dimension to the fishery. Traditional handline fishermen are not considered to be a threat to the coelacanth, but the fishermen equipped with motorised boats and modern tackle would constitute a real threat if they direct their efforts on inshore reefs.
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Stobbs, R.E., Bruton, M.N. (1991). The fishery of the comoros, with comments on its possible impact on coelacanth survival. In: Musick, J.A., Bruton, M.N., Balon, E.K. (eds) The biology of Latimeria chalumnae and evolution of coelacanths. Developments in environmental biology of fishes, vol 12. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3194-0_23
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