Protection of the Coelacanth, a Primitive Fish in the Coastal Waters of Tanzania

Abstract

Since the first coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) capture in Tanzania in 2003 there have been about 35 other captures. With increasing call for protection, imposing ban on gill net fishery, which has resulted in the accidental captures is being considered off Kigombe, northern Tanzania. There is however, a dilemma because the gill net fishery is just recent, having been introduced towards attaining poverty eradication and food security goals. On the basis of the assessment of the environmental conditions of the coelacanth it is suggested that a total ban on bottom set shark nets may not be necessary except during the cooler SE monsoon period when coelacanth can easily venture into the cool shallow waters in search for food.