Assessment of the Artisanal Shark Fishery and Local Shark Fin Trade on Unguja Island, Zanzibar

Authors

Deborah Schaeffer, SIT Study Abroad

Home Institution

Bowdoin College

Publication Date

Spring 2004

Program Name

Tanzania: Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology

Abstract

This study investigates the current state of the directed artisanal shark fishery off Unguja Island, Zanzibar, with a focus on the East Asian shark fin trade and its impact on the utilization of this valuable marine resource. The study concentrates on the two fish markets in Stone Town: Malindi and Darajani. Large fish are brought to these markets both from nearby waters and from other coastal towns on the island. Data was gathered through observation of the type and number of sharks landed, fishing practices employed, and sale of shark products, particularly fins. Local fin traders and exporters were interviewed to determine the characteristics of the local market, the relative value of different fin types, and changes in volume and demand over time. Local fishermen were interviewed to investigate directed exploitation of sharks, changes in shark populations over time, and the possible influence of the fin trade on fishing activities. Results provide a preliminary insight into the current status of the directed shark fishery, the logistics of the fin trade, and conservation implications for coastal shark populations.

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries

Recommended Citation

Schaeffer, Deborah, "Assessment of the Artisanal Shark Fishery and Local Shark Fin Trade on Unguja Island, Zanzibar" (2004). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 536.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/536