ISC Newsletter - Vol 08 No 1 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of The ISC Newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 1, published in Spring 1989, is a special anniversary issue dedicated to "The Coelacanth - 50 Years Later." It details the remarkable discovery of the first living coelacanth fish and its profound impact on the field of zoology.

The Discovery of the Coelacanth

The cover story recounts the events of December 22, 1938, in East London, South Africa. Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, a 32-year-old naturalist at the East London Museum, received a call from a clerk at Irvin and Johnson, a fishing company. Captain Hendrik Goosen had brought in specimens, and among them, Courtenay-Latimer discovered a unique, five-foot-long fish with a curious blue fin. Despite initial reluctance from a taxi driver, she managed to transport the specimen back to the museum.

Initial Reactions and Identification Challenges

Courtenay-Latimer initially struggled to identify the fish, which looked archaic. She consulted her library but found no match. Even the museum's chairman, Dr. J. Bruce-Bays, dismissed it as a "rock cod." Attempts to preserve the specimen at the local hospital and a cold storage facility were unsuccessful. She then turned to J.L.B. Smith, a professor of chemistry at Rhodes University known for his expertise in South African fishes. She sent him a drawing, and he, though initially puzzled, recognized its potential significance, suspecting it might be a primitive, long-extinct fish.

Smith's Recognition and the "Missing Link" Concept

Professor Smith's reaction to the drawing was profound. He described it as if "fishy creatures that flashed up as on a screen, fishes no longer here, fishes that had lived in past ages gone." He felt it might be the fulfillment of a premonition that he was destined to discover an outrageous creature. He cabled Courtenay-Latimer to "PRESERVE SKELETON AND GILLS FISH DESCRIBED." While initially hesitant to declare it a coelacanth, fearing scientific scorn, he was eventually convinced. The coelacanth was initially considered a "missing link" between fishes and land vertebrates, though this view has since been modified to suggest it shares ancestry with the lineage that led to lungfish and tetrapods.

Preservation Efforts and Setbacks

Upon learning that the internal parts of the fish had been discarded by the taxidermist, Robert Center, Smith was frustrated. The original photographs taken before skinning were ruined. Courtenay-Latimer, facing the loss of the specimen, decided to skin it and save what she could. She managed to get formalin from a chemist, James Forbes, and preserved the skin and head. The rest of the fish was discarded. The process was fraught with difficulties, including the taxi driver's refusal to transport the "stinking fish" and the loss of early photographs due to a developing error.

The Second Specimen and Vindication

Smith's hunch that the first specimen was caught outside its normal range proved correct. After 14 years, on December 24, 1952, a second coelacanth was found in the Comoro Islands, where fishermen knew it as "kombessa." This discovery, facilitated by a South African Air Force aircraft, vindicated Smith and brought him international recognition. The news made global headlines, solidifying the coelacanth's status as a remarkable "living fossil."

Legacy and Conservation Concerns

J.L.B. Smith continued his work until his death in 1968, with his wife Margaret carrying on through the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology. Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer continued her work at the East London Museum until her retirement in 1973. Subsequent research, including expeditions by Hans Fricke, has revealed more about the coelacanth's behavior and habitat. However, concerns have arisen about the species' survival. Comoran fishermen now reportedly target the fish for financial gain, and planned attempts to capture live specimens for aquaria pose a significant threat, potentially leading to the species' decimation.

Interviews with Goosen and Courtenay-Latimer

This issue includes interviews with both Captain Hendrik Goosen and Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer. Captain Goosen recounts the day of the discovery, his initial attempts to preserve the fish, and his interactions with Courtenay-Latimer. Courtenay-Latimer shares her childhood fascination with Bird Island, her early career at the East London Museum, and the detailed events surrounding the coelacanth's discovery, including the challenges of preservation and identification. She recalls her initial interactions with Professor Smith and the eventual confirmation of the find.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the extraordinary nature of the coelacanth discovery, highlighting its significance as a "living fossil" and its implications for understanding evolution. The newsletter emphasizes the dedication and perseverance of the individuals involved, particularly Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and J.L.B. Smith. The editorial stance appears to be one of celebrating scientific discovery while also expressing concern for the conservation of rare and ancient species like the coelacanth. The publication promotes the International Society of Cryptozoology's mission to study and document unusual and cryptid phenomena.

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Spring 1989, Vol. 8, No. 1
Focus: The 50th anniversary of the discovery of the coelacanth.

This issue of The ISC Newsletter is dedicated to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the coelacanth, a remarkable 'living fossil'. The newsletter features interviews, historical accounts, and information about institutions dedicated to its study and preservation.

Interviews and Personal Accounts

The newsletter includes an interview with Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, the person credited with saving the first coelacanth for science. She recounts the events of December 1938, the initial challenges of preserving the specimen, and its journey to the South African Museum in Cape Town for mounting. She expresses her satisfaction that East London has the honor of possessing the original specimen and reflects on the importance of Captain Goosen's role.

Another interview segment features J. Richard Greenwell, the editor, discussing the significance of the coelacanth discovery with Courtenay-Latimer. They reflect on how the discovery has impacted people's lives and the unique nature of this zoological find.

Greenwell also shares his experiences visiting East London and Grahamstown. He met with Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer and Nancy Tietz at the East London Museum, retracing the steps of the coelacanth's initial handling. He also visited the J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology in Grahamstown, where he met director Mike Bruton and saw a special anniversary exhibit.

Key Institutions and Research

East London Museum: Founded in 1931 by Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, this museum became the home of the first coelacanth. It has evolved into an impressive educational institution and now operates in a modern building under the directorship of Nancy Tietz.

J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology: Located in Grahamstown, this institute is described as potentially the largest institution in the world dedicated exclusively to the study of fishes. It was established following J.L.B. Smith's pivotal role in identifying and describing the coelacanth. The institute maintains extensive collections and conducts research on marine and freshwater fishes, with a particular interest in the coelacanth.

Organizations Focused on Coelacanths

Society for the Protection of Old Fishes (SPOOF): Founded in the mid-1960s by George W. Brown and his wife Susan, SPOOF focuses on the continued study of the coelacanth and other 'old fishes'. It is a small society with fewer than 300 members, known for its casual newsletter and strong sense of camaraderie.

Coelacanth Conservation Council (CCC): Established in 1987 by a group of ichthyologists, the CCC is concerned about the potential threat of extinction to the coelacanth due to increased fishing in its habitat. The council aims to coordinate research, raise funds, promote protective measures, and educate the public. Its objectives include establishing an inventory of known specimens and publishing bibliographies.

Selected Coelacanth Bibliography

The newsletter includes a chronological bibliography of publications related to the coelacanth, starting from J.L.B. Smith's initial descriptions in 1939 and continuing through to 1987. This list provides a valuable resource for further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the celebration of the coelacanth's discovery and its enduring scientific and public fascination. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific discovery, the dedication of individuals like Courtenay-Latimer and Smith, and the ongoing efforts to study and conserve this unique species. The newsletter positions the coelacanth as a symbol of cryptozoology and zoological wonder, highlighting the 50th anniversary as a significant milestone.