Spatial and temporal distribution of small pelagic fishes in the territorial waters of Tanzania.

This dataset is a collection of pelagic fishes species that were caught from coastal marine waters of The united Republic of Tanzania. Dataset contains 567 records distributed across 11 fish families; 23 genera; 6 Orders; and 2 Classes. The oldest specimen was recorded in 1758, while the latest specimen was recorded in 1983. All data were observational. Collection of the data was part of Potential Fishing Zone Project (PFZ), whereby artisanal fisher from coastal districts of United Republic of Tanzania were trained on the use of technology in fishing, identifying fishing grounds and importance of fishing on potential fishing areas. The project was a collaborative effort between Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA), and Fisheries officers from districts involved in that project.