Fisheries

Citeb addresses the needs of Réunion’s longline fleet, the challenges facing the artisanal, coastal, and offshore fishing fleets, as well as those of the southern fishing industry. In this area, its missions are diverse: 

  • ⚓︎ monitors technological developments in fishing techniques and fishing aids, 
  • ⚓︎ proposes and implements research and knowledge-building projects in partnership with industry professionals and partner centers of expertise (habitat knowledge, biology of harvested species, new fishing techniques, understanding and reducing bycatch, etc.), 
  • ⚓︎ provides training tailored to specific needs (use and interpretation of satellite maps, species identification, fishing techniques, tagging, and release of bycatch). 
  • ⚓︎ actively collaborates with regional fisheries management organizations through programs and working groups.

Information on research and market intelligence is disseminated to professional fishermen, trade organizations, and institutions in Réunion through regular newsletters.

Major ongoing projects:

  • Citeb’s 2024–2026 Action Plan: “Support for Innovation Support Structures” (EFRO Measure 1.1.11) – Component 4
    Through this “innovation hub” initiative (Component 4), activities are being implemented to benefit Citeb users and to serve as a key player in the regional strategy for smart specialization in the fields of aquaculture, related biotechnologies, and fisheries.
    Learn more
  • Save Turtle Run: Understanding Incidental Turtle Bycatch by Longline Vessels
    A citizen science project for longline fishermen in Réunion aimed at adopting best practices for the release of accidentally caught sea turtles and studying the environmental conditions surrounding these encounters.
    Learn more
  • Longline Fishing Observation Program and Data Collection
    Citeb is a contractor for the IRD, responsible for implementing the longline fishing data collection program in Réunion through on-board observation and self-sampling by fishermen. Five percent of the fishing effort is observed each year.
    Learn more
  • PESCARUN: Study of swordfish behavior and experimentation with vertical longline fishing
    Project for longline fishing in Réunion: testing a new fishing technique and tagging swordfish with satellite tags. PESCARUN is funded by the EMFF and the Réunion Region.
    Learn more
  • DECAPOT: Studying squid diversity and assessing their fisheries potential in Réunion
    Diversity of squid, characteristics of their populations in the pelagic ecosystem off the coast of Réunion, and assessment of their commercial potential
    Learn more