Coelacanths are an endangered species, and are listed in the CITES Appendix one (the "Red Book").

From Hans Fricke and his team, we know that there are in the region of 200 coelacanths off the west coast of Grand Comoro Island. This is the only coelacanth population we currently have any detailed study of. Neither the Indonesian or South African populations have been studied in any detail.

We hope this and future expeditions will teach us more about the coelacanth and its biology; knowing more about the animal and its habitat is very important to properly conserve it; simply counting animals does not constitute conservation as we have no information other that a number of individuals - telling us nothing about its needs, what factors may threaten it, and also what the other organisms are in the area - which may be just as rare, or vital to the survival of the coelacanth.

The conservation of the coelacanths in this region is the job of Ezemvelo Kwa-Zulu Natal Wildlife.