Suspected new mackerel species caught in Seychelles |22 January 2009

The suspected new species was caught on the second and third trips of the study and is now being analysed by the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) to decide on the species, and to confirm that it is indeed new to our waters.

The study is taking place so a new fishing technique can be tried, using small purse seiners for catches of different types of bait fish far out to sea.

This is so the country can cut back on importing squid from Korea, which it sells as bait for international long-line fishing in our waters.

The study is being run by the SFA in partnership with the Japanese government and should end in mid-2009, according to the SFA’s Vincent Lucas.

He said it is now in its second stage, where they are trying to determine the stock levels of the fish types available, and the regularity with which they are caught.
   
The first stage involved modifying the boats now being used in the exercise, and in a third and final stage the data collected will be analysed so it can be determined if fishing for bait in local waters is sustainable.   

The new mackerel is distinguished by a black spot on each side when compared with the two other varieties normally found in Seychelles’ waters. Mr Lucas said the finding could be because the study is being carried out in far-off waters, where fishing of this type does not normally take place.

He explained that boats taking up the practice of bait fishing will have to go far out to sea for their catch, so as not to interfere with the livelihood of traditional fishermen.

Another possible reason for the find is that the new mackerel could be a migratory species and, if so, its exact transit period will have to be determined so it can be caught regularly.

Mr Lucas confirmed that the new mackerel has already been tasted by members of the public and is said to be of good eating quality.