The Kenya pelagic longline fish catalogues

Abstract

Marine pelagic fish species are an important part of the marine fisheries resources of Kenya. KMFRI has been undertaking fisheries surveys to characterize the fish stocks, determine the catch rates and sustainability of the pelagic fishery resources during the 2020-2021 Financial year. Five surveys were undertaken between April and October 2020 onboard the vessel FV Seamer II covering the entire Kenya EEZ. This catalogues lists the 45 species of fish encountered during the five surveys. The catalogues is intended for use by fisheries observers and the fish crew as a handy reference to identify the fish encountered during other surveys as well as during normal fishing operations to facilitate accurate recording of catch data and other biological information relevant to the use and management of the stocks. The catalogues will be updated regularly as new species are encountered in the fishery.