- PHOTO TAKEN 13SEP03 - Comoran carring fish to the market nearby the shores pick their way over crusted lava at shores of Indian Ocean Comoros islands, September 13, 2003. The island is home to an estimated 500 people. Fishing has formed the lifeblood of their economy for hundreds of years, luring Arab merchants in the 15th century. Present-day merchants import rice, meat, fuel and other essentials for Comorans.