Voice of the Comoros: Fishing Communities of Anjouan

Fishing communities on Anjouan have witnessed a steady decline in fish stocks, including sharks.

With the Nekton First Descent: Comoros mission being the first of its kind, much of the baseline understanding comes from local knowledge and community engagement.

Fishers recognise that ecosystem degradation has played a major role in this decline, and acknowledge that some traditional practices have contributed to it. Organised and proactive, they see that protection and management are key to rebuilding their fisheries and sustaining them long term. Bouchourane Aoussidine, President of the National Fishers’ Union, is a passionate advocate for his community and a leading voice for a more sustainable future, built on collaboration between research and local stewardship.