Gombessa

Latimeria chalumnae: The Coelacanth

The coelacanth (pronounced SEE-la-kanth) is the lone survivor of an ancient line of lobe fin fishes thought to have been extinct for 60 to 70 million years. Their rediscovery, in 1938, caused great excitement and has been referred to as the "zoological find of the twentieth century." After millions of years, they continue to remain relatively unchanged. Coelacanths are a close relative of the fishes which first ventured onto land and gave rise to the tetrapods. An endangered species, coelacanths are believed to number as few as 500-800 individuals along Grande Comore in the Comoros Islands. In the Comores, they inhabit steep volcanic slopes ranging between 150 and 700 meters, with most sightings coming from the upper levels of this range. Coelacanths can grow to nearly two meters in length and weigh close to 100 kg. Their most dramatic feature is their limb-like appendages. The lobed pectoral and pelvic fins are quite unlike those of modern day fish. The second dorsal and anal fins are also lobed and the caudal (tail) fin has three unique divisions. Coelacanths possess a fat filled air bladder and a flexible notochord, which replaces the more common backbone. An unusual feature is the rostral organ in the snout, which may serve as an electroreceptor for the coelacanth to monitor it's surroundings. Unique to the anatomy of modern creatures is the intercranial joint, a hinge in the head, which widens the extension and strength of the bite. In contrast to most fishes, the coelacanth is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.

Gombessa: The Comoros Islands and its Fishermen

In the Comoros Islands, coelacanths inhabit an area off the west coast of Grande Comore and the island of Anjouan. In the past, coelacanths have been caught accidentally by night fisherman using traditional deep hand line methods while seeking the oilfish, Ruvettus pretiosus. Most catches occur in the range of 100-300 meters. Fishermen along Grande Comore have been particularly responsive to preserving their "Gombessa", adopting a voluntary fishing ban in areas known to support concentrations of coelacanths. After years of dwindling numbers, the population appears to be stable thanks to international trade restrictions and the voluntary fishing ban of the Comoros fishermen. The fishermen should be commended and supported as much as possible in their efforts. They are trying to earn a living under the most difficult and dangerous conditions--while doing their part to preserve a national treasure. Not only is the coelacanth a treasure of the Comoros Islands, it is a treasure of our entire earth.

Coelacanth Conservation: At Home and Abroad

The continuing cooperation of the Comoros fishermen is vital. The Association pour la Preservation du Gombessa plans to make their ongoing support a priority. Educational efforts, both in the Comoros Islands and internationally, are the foundation upon which the APG will achieve the goal to insure the future survival of the coelacanth. The United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has afforded the coelacanth it's highest level of protection. All international trade is now prohibited. Strict regulation, along with worldwide education, may help insure the survival of the coelacanth.

Before the dinosaurs, long before any creature walked on the land, coelacanths inhabited the seas. Great extinctions came and passed. The dinosaurs disappeared forever. Countless other creatures disappeared. Coelacanths survived. Ironically, after millions and millions of years, the coelacanths greatest challenge to survival may come in this century.

The objective of the Association pour la Preservation du Gombessa is to contribute to the sustainable development of the Comoros Islands through the preservation of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae, and its coastal and marine environment. Through World-Wide and local education, the APG seeks to achieve these goals.

The APG is represented by an executive committee of seven members, plus an advisory committee representing the twelve local villages and institution members.

A priority is the encouragement of ecotourism in conjunction with a planned nature reserve and environmental education center along the Southwest portion of Grande Comore. The installation of a permanent video camera to observe coelacanths in their natural environment has been discussed, as well.

Current efforts include community education and the continuing support of local fisherman, offering them alternatives to fishing in the areas that coelacanths are known to inhabit.

Immediate needs include increasing supporting aid to local fisherman, a continuing commitment from government authorities, training programs for local village leaders, and funds for the establishment of the coelacanth park and environmental education center.

We welcome your support.