Director Oceans & Coastal Systems & Blue Economy Marine Zooplankton & Fish Larvae Ecology Zooplankton Systematics • Fish Larvae • Biodiversity Surveys • Blue Economy Email: jmwaluma@kmfri.go.ke Years of Experience 1989-present (37 years at KMFRI) Research Interests Marine zooplankton ecology and systematics; Fish larvae composition, life history stages, distribution, occurrence and abundance in Western Indian Ocean | Research Focus: Advancing knowledge in marine zooplankton ecology, fish larvae systematics, and biodiversity assessments, while coordinating multidisciplinary research and facilitating blue economy initiatives in Kenya's coastal and marine ecosystems. Dr. James M. Mwaluma is a Chief Research Scientist and Director working at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute located in Mombasa. He holds a PhD in Zoology from Moi University and a Master of Science in Hydrobiology from the University of Nairobi. Dr. Mwaluma's scientific background spans from different spheres such as marine zooplankton and fish larvae ecologist and taxonomist, biodiversity surveys and assessments, and a lecturer in marine biology. Following publication of his book on identification of fish larvae of coastal fishes, he has been involved in international training of young upcoming scientists and students in techniques used in identifying larval fish in South Africa and Tanzania. Dr. Mwaluma is the Director in charge of Oceans and Coastal Systems and Blue Economy in KMFRI Mombasa co-ordinating and facilitating multidisciplinary research within the directorate and with other stakeholders. Dr. Mwaluma has also been involved in initiating community-based mariculture activities in seaweed, milkfish, prawns and mud crab fattening with local community groups supported by World Bank and other donors. Notable achievements accomplished are: Bidding and winning the hosting of the 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Organization Conference (WIOMSA) in 2025 in Kenya and the launch of the 1st Marine Hatchery in Shimoni Funded by National Research Fund and establishment of the National Mariculture Research Training Centre (NAMARET) in Shimoni, Kwale County funded by World Bank. Dr. Mwaluma has published widely in peer reviewed journals, technical reports, books and book chapters such as "A Guide to Commonly Occurring Larval Stages of Fishes in Kenyan Coastal Waters" (2014), and "The Kenya Exclusive Economic Zone Fisheries and Environment – Exploring the potential contribution to the Blue Economy" (2025) among others as well as mentoring many undergraduate and post-graduate students. Research & Administrative Responsibility - ▹ In charge of Oceans and Coastal Systems Department (OCS), supervising the Assistant Director (Fisheries) and Assistant Director (Oceanography and Hydrology)
- ▹ In-charge/supervising the preparation of workplans and budgets, execution of research, preparation and implementation of policies
- ▹ Preparation and presentation of scientific board papers to KMFRI Board members
Research Interest / Areas of Expertise - ▹ Marine zooplankton ecology and systematics
- ▹ Fish larvae composition, life history stages, distribution, occurrence and abundance in Western Indian Ocean
Academic Qualifications - ▹ PhD (Zoology) – Moi University, 2010
- ▹ MSc in Hydrobiology – University of Nairobi
Professional Membership - ▹ Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) – Member
- ▹ African Regional Working Group for FISH-BOL – Collaborator
Professional Services - ▹ Member – Regional Task Force on Coastal Blue Economy Initiatives (Ministry of EAC, the ASALs and Regional Development)
- ▹ Member – KENIA Selection Panel for recruitment of Board Members
Selected Publications Mwaluma J., Kaunda-Arara B., Strydom N. (2014). A Guide to Commonly Occurring Larval Stages of Fishes in Kenyan Coastal Waters. Mwaluma J., Noah Ngisiange, Melckzedeck Osore, Joseph Kamau, Harrison Onganda, Joseph Kilonzi, Mike Roberts, Ekatarina Popova and Stuart C. Painter (2021). Assemblage structure and distribution of larval fish on the North Kenyan Banks during the South East Monsoon season. Oceans and Coastal Management, 212. doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021105800 Mwaluma J. and Kaunda-Arara, B. (2021). Growth and survival of mud crab, Scylla serrata reared in bottom and floating cages within Mida creek mangroves, coastal Kenya. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management (AHEM), 24(1): 27-34. Mwaluma, J.M., Gladys M. Okemwa, Alphine M. Mboga, Noah Ngisiange, Monika Winder, Margareth S. Kyewalyanga, Joseph Kilonzo, and Immaculate M. Kinyua (2022). Seasonal Occurrence and Relative Abundance of Marine Fish Larval Families over Healthy and Degraded Seagrass Beds in Coastal Kenya. Diversity, 14(9): 730. Mboga A., Mwaluma J., Olunga J., Ngisiange N., Kigathi R., Okeyo B., Winder M. and Kyewalyanga M. (2023). Seasonality of fish juvenile community structure and diversity in a Tropical Seagrass Meadow of Watamu Kenya. WIOMJ. Links |
