Juliet is a coral reef ecologist and conservationist and her research activities include coral reef monitoring, biodiversity assessment, socio-ecological resilience assessments, habitat mapping and coral reef restoration. Recently, Juliet has engaged in research on paleoclimate reconstruction using coral organisms. She is also participating in deep sea research on benthic ecology that includes studying mesophotic reefs. She also does regular trainings and capacity building to coastal communities on sustainable utilization of marine resources. She is an avid scuba diver with divemaster certification and has recently trained in underwater cinematography and storytelling. Juliet has a BSc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Science, an MSc. in Fisheries Management and a PhD in Biodiversity.



PUBLICATIONS:

• Obura D, Gudka M, Samoilys M, Osuka K, Mbugua J, Keith D, Porter S, Roche R, van Hooidonk R, Ahamada S, Araman A, Karisa J, Komakoma J, Madi M, Ravinia I, Razafindrainibe H, Yahya S & F Zivane (2022) Vulnerability to collapse of coral reef ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. Nature Sustainability 5, 104–113. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-021-00817-0
• Karisa J, Obura D, Chen C. Spatial heterogeneity of coral reef benthic communities in Kenya (2020). Plos one 26;15(8): https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237397
• Hollander J. Linden O. Gudka M. Duncan M. Obura D. James N. Bhagooli R. Nyanapah J. Onyango C. Duvane J. Louis Y. Ngotho D. Mvungi E. Mamboya F. George R. Hamad H. Issa M. Adeleke B. Ngoa E. Harlay J. Oduor, N. Fondo E. Wambiji N. Raharinaivo L. Winkler A. Okemwa G. Karisa J. Madi M. Mtaki K. Randrianandrasana J. (2020) Marine Organisms Response to Climate Change Effects: Adaptation or Extinction. Journal of Indian Ocean Rim Studies, 3:33-59
• Wanyonyi I, Karisa J, Gamoyo M, Mbugua J (2018) Factors influencing migrant fisher access to fishing grounds. WIO Journal of Marine Science, 16:27-39
• Grimsditch D, Pisapia C, Huck M, Karisa J, Obura D, Sweet M (2017) Variation in size frequency distribution of coral populations under different fishing pressures in two contrasting locations in the Indian Ocean. Marine Environmental Research, 131:146-155.
• Mwaura J, Umezawa Y, Karisa J, Kimeli A, Kamau J, Aura C (2017) Spatial variability of scleractinian coral bleaching and mortality induced by the 2010 ENSO, between northern and southern reefs, Kenya. Coastal Marine Science, 40:17-27.
• Karisa J, Obura D, Kaunda-Arara B (2008) Temporal and Spatial Variation in Coral Recruitment and Mortality in Coastal Kenya. CORDIO Status report 2008, 223-233.
• Karisa J (2008) Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Juvenile Corals on Lagoonal Reefs in Coastal Kenya. MPhil. Dessertation, Moi University, Kenya
• Obura D, Mwaura J, Karisa J (2005) Coral settlement patterns in the Mombasa Marine National Park. CORDIO Status report 2005, 167-173.