Exploitation of marine aquarium reef fisheries at the Kenyan Coast.
Kenya ranks among the top exporting countries in the marine aquarium trade within the Western Indian Ocean region. However the fishery has received limited attention by way of research and monitoring despite being established during the mid 1970’s. This paper provides a detailed overview of the dynamics of the fishery based on results of a one-year survey conducted during 2005 to determine the species harvested in the fishery and the harvest and export trends. Available government statistics, logbook returns of fish collectors at the Shimoni area and airfreight data were examined to assess the catch and export dynamics of the fishery. An estimated total of 193 fish species were harvested from the Kenya coast for export. Of the total number of individuals landed in Shimoni during the study period (including fish and invertebrates), fish made up approximately 97% of the catch with about 71% of the fish landed by divers. Approximately 70% of the fish belonged to 4 families namely Pomacentridae (damselfish), Labridae (wrasses), Acanthuridae (surgeonfish) and Gobiidae (gobies). Ten species made up 58% of the harvested catch topped by two species, Amphiprion allardi (10%) and Centropyge acanthops (9%). The mean daily CPUE of fish collectors in the Shimoni area was estimated to be 25 individuals per fisherman per day, with divers landing significantly more fish than snorkellers. Among the key recommendations are the need to strengthen monitoring, to improve current regulatory mechanisms, and to promote strong stakeholder involvement in the management of the fishery. This study provides essential baseline information for further assessments of the status and sustainability of the fishery.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Book Section biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Studies Centre
2009
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| Subjects: | Marine aquarium, Reef fisheries, Ornamental trade, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/8323 |
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