Kenyan billfish tagged by zone in 2005-06 season

The 2005/06 season brought record breaking numbers of blue marlin along the entier Kenyan coast (123 blue marlin tagged). The vast majority of these fish were juvenile fish below 75kgs, often experienced in small groups. Black marlin numbers also increased to 118 a record number tagged. Sailfish numbers continued to improve this season with 2440 tagged. Striped marlin numbers remained poor.

Zone 1: Lamu, Kiwayu & Kui. 261 fish tagged. 234 sailfish (10%), 26 marlin (7%) & 1 other.

Zone 2: Ziwayu. 75 fish tagged. 71 sailfish (3%) & 4 marlin (1%).

Zone 3: Ngomeni. 108 fish tagged. 81 sailfish (3%), 4 marlin (1%) & 23 other.

Zone 4: North Kenya Banks. 117 fish tagged. 49 sailfish (11%), 39 marlin (2%), 63 broadbill & 4 others.

Zone 5: Malindi. 1647 fish tagged. 1575 sailfish (66%), 17 marlin (5%) & 55 others.

Zone 6: Watamu. 505 fish tagged. 122 sailfish (5%), 65 marlin (18%) & 316 others.

Zone 7: The Rips. 281 fish tagged. 162 sailfish (7%), 115 marlin (32%) & 4 others.

Zone 8: Kilifi. 24 fish tagged. 11 sailfish (0%), 1 marlin (0%), 11 broadbill & 1 others.

Zone 9: Mombasa & Mtwapa. 10 fish tagged. 5 sailfish (0%), 5 marlin (1%)

Zone 10: Shimoni. 170 fish tagged. 83 sailfish (3%), 85 marlin (24%) & 2 broadbill.

PDF file available:

Fish by zone 2005/06 (144Kb)

Fish by Zone 2005 - 2006