Dr. Levy Otwoma
I work as a scientist for KMFRI (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute) with special emphasis on coral reef ecology, connectivity of shallow water marine species, and efficiency of Marine Protected Areas since 2009. My current research has focused on using molecular approaches to the determine abiotic and biotic factors that affect the connectivity of shallow marine organisms in the Indo-Pacific. The overarching goal of my work is to integrate this scientific information in the management of marine protected areas along the Kenyan coastline and Indo-Pacific at large. As a KMFRI scientist, I also focus on identifying corals, fish, clams, mollusks, mangroves and seagrass species that are at risk of extinction along the Kenyan coastline. I have comprehensive coral reef monitoring skills which I learned through a 6 months training at WCS (wildlife conservation society).- Research Networks : Research Gate
KMFRI Mombasa
Oceanography and Hydrography
Coral reef ecology
Connectivity of reef species in the Western Indian Ocean, efficiency of marine protected areas, population dynamics of coral reef species, and population genetics of reef species
lotwoma@kmfri.go.ke
levyot@yahoo.com
- April 2015-November 2018: Ph.D. in natural science (Dr. rer. Nat). Universitäit Bremen, Germany.
- October 2010- October 2012: Master of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
- September 2003-September 2007: Bachelor of science in Zoology and Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
PUBLICATIONS:
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Otwoma, ML. (2021) Response to exploitation and life history characteristics of two Acanthurus fish species with divergent mating behaviour along the Kenyan coastline. Regional Studies in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2021.101979.
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Otwoma, ML., Reuter, H. (2019). Do differences in mating behaviour lead to differences in connectivity patterns of reef fishes? Insights from two sympatric surgeonfish species in the Indian Ocean. Marine Environmental Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.104760
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Buckley, S.M., McClanahan, T.R., Quintana Morales, E.M., Mwakha, V, Nyanapah, J, Otwoma, ML and Pandolfi, J.M. (2018) Identifying species threatened with local extinction in tropical reef fisheries using historical reconstruction of species occurrence. PLoS One. 14(2).e0211224
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Otwoma ML, Diemel V, Reuter H, Kochzius M, Meyer A. (2018). Genetic population structure of convict surgeonfish, Acanthurus triostegus. Journal of Fish Biology. 93:597-605. DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13686
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Otwoma ML, Reuter H, Timm J, Meyer A. (2018). Genetic Connectivity in herbivorous coral reef fish (Acanthurus leucosternon) in the Eastern African region. Hydrobiologia.806: 237-250
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Otwoma, L. M. & M. Kochzius. (2016). Genetic Population Structure of the Coral Reef Sea Star Linckia laevigata in494 the Western Indian Ocean and Indo-West Pacific. PLoS ONE 11:e0165552
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Mbaru, EK., Kimani, E.N, Otwoma, L.M, Kimeli, K., and Mkare. T.K. (2011).Abundance, Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor in Selected Reef Fishes of the Kenyan Marine Artisanal Fishery. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology. 3:1-8.
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Aura, M. C., Musa, S., Ogello, E. O., Otwoma, L M., Wainaina, M. & Kundu, R. (2011). Methane Emissions from Swampy and Riverine Coastal Wetlands: Influence of Open and Macrophyte Infested Areas. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management, 16: 265-272.