Main research areas

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, together with key stakeholders, converged at the Royal Court Hotel in Mombasa County from the 16^th to 18^th of July, 2025, to share key findings, insights, and lessons learned from the ongoing pilot integration of Electronic Monitoring (EM) systems on Kenya-flagged fishing vessels. The theme of the event, “Improving Kenya’s marine fisheries transparency through electronic monitoring set the stage for three days of meaningful dialogue, collaborative data sharing, and strategic planning for a brighter, sustainable future for our fisheries. This innovative pilot project aspires to enhance transparency and sustainability in Kenya's marine fisheries by harnessing technology to collect and analyze crucial fisheries data, paving the way for responsible stewardship of our ocean resources.

One of the recurring topics at the workshop was the critical role of electronic monitoring in addressing long-standing data gaps in Kenya’s fisheries sector. Speaking at the event, Dr. Kimani of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute emphasized the limitations of traditional human observer programs.

“Human observer data covers only about 5% of fishing trips compared to EM, which can achieve nearly 80% coverage. Species identification and verification are also far more accurate when video footage can be reviewed repeatedly,” Dr. Kimani.

This is where EM proves its strength, going beyond the limitations of human observers. EM is a tried-and-tested tool that increases openness and compliance in large-scale fisheries worldwide, using cameras, GPS, computers, and sensors to remotely record and transmit fishing data.

The findings being discussed were from four vessels that were equipped with cameras for the entire piloting phase to achieve several objectives, including: accessing and generating reliable, accurate data for compliance, science, and training purposes. They also aimed to demonstrate and validate the usefulness and effectiveness of electronic monitoring in overseeing our fisheries activities.

The pilot project demonstrated that EM is a game-changer for marine management, leveraging technology to observe, track, and regulate activities in Kenya’s waters. Data collected from selected fishing vessels as a part of this science-based collaborative initiative has highlighted the ability of EM systems to provide real-time, verifiable information on marine species, fishing practices, and ecosystem health.

Participants present at the workshop were introduced to the suite of technologies employed under EM, from satellite tracing to monitor vessel movements and fishing zones, to acoustic and camera monitoring to observe marine life and record fishing activity, and sensor technologies to measure environmental factors like water quality. The video data collection, a key component of EM, enables detailed records of species, size, weight, catch handling, and bycatch, creating a rich dataset that was previously hardly possible.

 

Electronic monitoring systems serve two main purposes: they validate logbook entries by identifying discrepancies and provide oversight of catch handling practices. These systems highlight both effective and ineffective practices, allowing for opportunities for improvement. Through video reviews, responsible agencies and stakeholders can verify what is retained, what is released, and the condition of any bycatch at the time of release.

The system is also proving instrumental in understanding exactly where fishing activity is taking place, making management decisions more targeted and effective. Stakeholders also explored the potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into EM systems to enhance data analysis, species identification, and even predict trends for more effective fisheries management.

 

 

AI generation, they noted, could lead to better, clearer data and more actionable insights; a crucial step toward achieving Kenya’s sustainability and conservation goals. The event underscored the importance of multi-agency collaboration to seal potential loopholes in implementing and using EM.

With the official rollout and implementation of this program, Kenya will become the second country in Africa to highlight the essential role of ecosystem management in promoting sustainable fisheries.

During his presentation, Dr. Kimani emphasized the importance of embracing change, stating that it is not just an option but a necessity for advancing the development of the fisheries sector. He also noted that improved transparency will be vital for converting raw data into actionable plans for effective fisheries management.

The system does more than just monitor fish and fishing activities; it also collects essential oceanographic data, including temperature, salinity, and other environmental parameters. This information is crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics and supporting effective fisheries management.

By offering comprehensive, high-quality datasets, the system promises to transform how Kenya manages its marine resources, ensuring that fisheries remain productive and sustainable.

 

 

With the data shared, discussions held, lessons learned, and momentum built over the successful three-day workshop, Kenya is now better poised to lead the way in marine fisheries transparency and sustainability.

The integration of electronic monitoring systems marks a significant step forward; one that combines science, technology, policy, and collective will to protect our marine ecosystem.

Through the leadership of KMFRI and its partners, the integration of electronic monitoring systems promises to not only protect Kenya’s marine biodiversity, but also promote the sustainable use of our aquatic resources to improve the livelihoods and socio-economic development of communities dependent on these resources.

Every day, our environment is exposed to new chemical pollutants, Emerging Pollutants (Eps) which are substances like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pesticides, detergents, and micro-plastics that enter the aquatic environments through domestic waste, hospital runoff, industrial discharge and agricultural practices. While they exist in trace amounts, their long-term effects are anything but small.

Emerging pollutants have a unique and dangerous behavior in aquatic ecosystems. They do not break down easily. Instead, they bio-accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, bio-concentrate in their environments, and biomagnify up the food chain from plankton to fish, and ultimately to humans. The danger lies (cancer-causing) in their property’s toxic and carcinogenic mutagenic (DNA-altering) properties. Recent research shows links between EP exposure and increased cancer rates, damage to the nervous system, delays in infant development, and endocrine disruption in both humans and wildlife.

Our coastal communities depend heavily on fisheries for both nutrition and livelihood. Unfortunately, fish exposed to Eps often show reduced productive ability, stunted growth, deformities, and compromised immune systems. For humans consuming seafood, the risk of ingesting high concentrations of these pollutants is real and growing. The sustainability of marine ecosystems and the health of those who depend on them are at stake.

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute has been at the forefront of studying aquatic pollution. Through ongoing research on water quality, sediment analysis, and fish tissue sampling in Kenya’s marine and freshwater bodies, KMFRI is helping to identify key EP sources, map pollution hotspots, and assess the ecological and health risks.

This research provides critical data to guide policymakers and inform best practices in waste management, fisheries regulation, and marine conservation efforts. KMFRI employs advanced analytical techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry, to detect and quantify emerging pollutants in aquatic environments.

 

The issue of emerging pollutants is complex and multifaceted, requiring a concerted effort from governments, industries, and individuals.

 

By understanding the problem, supporting research and policy initiatives, and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can work towards reducing the impact of emerging pollutants on human health and marine life. Let's take action today to protect our planet's precious resources for future generations.

To mitigate the threat of EPs, we must improve wastewater treatment infrastructure to filter out pharmaceuticals and industrial pollutants before they reach water bodies.

We also need to strengthen regulations on the disposal of hospital, agricultural, and domestic waste, promote eco-friendly alternatives to personal care and household products, raise public awareness on how everyday choices contribute to pollution, and support research institutions like KMFRI in their monitoring and policy development efforts.

Whether you're a policymaker, consumer, or community leader, you have a role to play. You can sign petitions supporting stricter regulations on emerging pollutants, reduce your use of single-use plastics and chemicals, support organizations working on environmental conservation, and stay informed about the latest research and developments on emerging pollutants.

Did you know that even trace amounts of caffeine, painkillers, and birth control pills have been detected in fish across the world? These drugs enter water systems through human waste and are not fully removed by conventional treatment plants. Some fish have shown altered behavior and reproductive cycles as a result.

 

Kenya’s coastal and inland waters are rich with life and activity, supporting fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, and many communities who depend on healthy aquatic ecosystems for their livelihoods. As our population grows and economic activity expands, the demands on our marine and freshwater spaces continue to increase. Without careful planning, this can lead to conflicts over resource use, habitat loss, and livelihoods put at risk.

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) provides a practical way forward. MSP is a science-based, participatory process that brings together all stakeholders from fishing communities and fish farmers to tourism operators, shipping companies, conservation groups, researchers, and government agencies to decide how aquatic spaces are used and managed fairly.

Through MSP, Kenya aims to create clear zones where different activities can thrive side by side while protecting vulnerable ecosystems. This means fishing areas can remain productive, new industries like aquaculture can grow sustainably, tourism and transport routes can operate safely, and important habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, wetlands, and fish breeding grounds stay healthy for generations to come. This effort follows an ecosystem-based approach, recognizing that the environment, the economy, and our communities, both along the coast and inland, are deeply connected. Strong laws and policies support the plan, drawing authority from Kenya’s Constitution, the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, and international commitments to sustainable ocean and freshwater governance.

A significant milestone was reached in March 2024 when the Cabinet approved the National Marine Spatial Plan, marking real progress for Kenya’s Blue Economy vision. Today, a dedicated MSP Secretariat, supported by national ministries, KMFRI, local communities, partners, and civil society, continues to guide the plan rollout. Ongoing public awareness and engagement are essential to ensure that people understand the benefits of good planning and feel part of the process.

Marine Spatial Planning is more than lines on a map. It is Kenya’s commitment to manage its ocean, lake, and river spaces wisely, securing livelihoods, strengthening food security, conserving biodiversity, and opening up opportunities for sustainable growth. By investing in clear, inclusive planning now, Kenya is protecting the promise of its aquatic resources for the communities who rely on them today and tomorrow.

 

Aquaculture practice is emerging as a solution to food security and sustainable livelihoods in coastal Kenya. In Mtagawanda village, Pate Island, Lamu County, the community is now embracing aquaculture as a new source of hope and opportunity. This shift marks a turning point in addressing overfishing, improving household incomes, and building resilience against climate change. KMFRI team, in conjunction with the Northern Rangelands Trust team, launched a mud crab farm in the area to build capacity in mariculture practice and provide technical support towards adopting mud crab restorative aquaculture.

The 12-day activity allowed the community to benefit from a three-day in-class training session designed to improve farmers' skills through hands-on experience in profitable and sustainable mud crab farming. Dr. Mirera used this opportunity to educate communities through different modules of mud crab farming, including: the biology of the mud crab, site selection for farming, construction of culture systems, seed collection, cage stocking, monitoring, and value addition.

Mud crab farming along the coast has gained momentum following community sensitization efforts beyond fishing. For many years, coastal communities have depended on fishing, creating significant pressure on marine resources and leading to a sharp decline in fish species.

The participants constructed a pen and deployed eight cages that will be instrumental in the culture and fattening of mud crabs, housing 1000 crabs for the pen and 160 for the cages. This mud crab fattening initiative will improve the livelihoods of the coastal communities through the creation of employment, provide an accessible and sustainable small-scale aquatic food system, which will, in turn, boost food security and nutrition among the communities and the country.

Dr. Mirera, while overseeing the construction, encouraged the team to closely follow the practicals and apply what they learned in class to real-world situations. He led a community-driven session, allowing them to select sites before recommending the most suitable one.

He said this will play a major role in replicating more pens and sites to boost crab farming without relying solely on donor funding. This will help develop a new generation of innovative communities that will enhance food security, especially by promoting and advocating for aquatic food systems consumption, with technical advice and support from professionals.

For sustainability, there was a need for the community to be trained on business operations to equip them with the necessary expertise to handle and manage their finances and day-to-day business operations. The team took them through the development of a business plan that will serve as a roadmap for managing the project.

The community was also taken through an informative session on what a business plan is and what it entails, and why there is a need to educate them on the same. Emmanuel Gafo, a scientist at NRT, led the session, which he used an engaging approach by invoking leading questions that the members responded to and thus developed a business plan together. This, he emphasized, will be key in identifying gaps in the services they will render and also keep tabs on their expenditure and profits.

“You have to have specific goals that you wish to achieve shortly and with clear, distinctive timelines, without having clear indicators on what you want to achieve in a specific period, then you won’t make your anticipations in maximizing your profits come true, “he noted

Gafo asked the trainees to be objective and tailor their objectives to the size of their tasks, setting goals that are achievable within specific periods. Members retreated to groups to deliberate on diverse ideas before coming up with one plan after consultations within themselves. This, he said, will give the community the autonomy of making decisions without depending on a third party who would influence their decisions and own the project.