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Records of black coral (Antipatharia) and red coral (Corallium rubrum) fishing activities in the Maltese Islands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2010

A. Deidun ,
G. Tsounis ,
F. Balzan  and
A. Micallef
A. Deidun*
Affiliation:
Physical Oceanography Unit, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
G. Tsounis
Affiliation:
Physical Oceanography Unit, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
F. Balzan
Affiliation:
Physical Oceanography Unit, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
A. Micallef
Affiliation:
Physical Oceanography Unit, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: A. Deidun, Physical Oceanography Unit, Room 315, Chemistry Building 3rd Floor, University of Malta, Msida, Malta email: [email protected]
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Abstract

This study presents a description of the little known coral fishery activities around the Maltese Islands. Apart from previously unpublished catch data on Corallium rubrum, this study also reveals, sporadic harvesting of black coral (Antipatharia) past and serves as a first record of Leiopathes glaberrima in Maltese waters. The data indicate that precious coral fishing was regulated on an arbitrary license system that was not based on scientific management. Both fisheries ceased in 1987, although personal communication with industry operators indicates that C. rubrum is still being unofficially fished on a reduced scale. As Mediterranean precious coral fisheries originated so long-age, and since so little is known about precious coral species' distribution, the presented historical data may help in evaluating baseline levels of population status and past anthropogenic impact. Finally, the study also highlights the importance of an evaluation of the current population status of precious coral species and a more effective curbing of illegal fishing activities to achieve the desired conservation of the precious coral species in question.

Keywords

AntipathesLeiopathesred coralprecious coral fisheryMediterraneanhistoricalcold water coralsdeep coralsconservation
Type
Research Article
Information
Marine Biodiversity Records , Volume 3 , June 2010 , e90
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2010

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