This year’s celebrations to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem went a notch higher, with the launch of programs that support calls for sustainable management and protection of the mangrove ecosystem stealing the show.
The organizing committee of the International Day of Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem led by the chairperson of the National Mangrove Management Committee (NMMC), who is also a Principal Research Scientist at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Dr. Judith Okello had lined up a series of activities for the whole week ahead of the main event all geared towards raising awareness on the important role mangrove forests play in conserving our marine ecosystem.
Partners drawn from the county government of Kwale led by HE the Governor, Hon Fatuma Achani, Kenya Forest Services, World Worldwide Fund, Kenya Fisheries Services, Plan International, Big Ship CBO, and many others joined hands in planting mangrove seedlings at Mkupe-kwa Mekwekwe Nyanje Tsunza in Kwale county to commemorate the international day of mangrove conservation.

Stock status of the dash-and-dot goatfish, Parupeneus barberinus (Lacepède, 1801) in Kenya’s coastal marine waters

Abstract
Demersal reef fisheries are important for the provision of food and livelihoods for the coastal communities. The fisheries are multispecies, exploited by artisanal fishers using a diverse range of gear types. Data collated from artisanal fishers along the Kenya coastline for the period 2017 to 2023 was used to assess the stock status of Parupeneus barberinus to inform the management of the fishery....

A preliminary assessment of the post-harvest fish losses along selected fish supply chains in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Artisanal marine fisheries play a critical role in enhancing food security and supporting the livelihoods of Coastal communities in Kenya. The sustainable exploitation of this resource is however threatened by post-harvest fish losses (PHFLs) occurring along the entire fish value chain.We conducted an assessment of the PHFLs at five landing sites in Kwale County to investigate the status of these losses along selected fish supply chains in the County. 

Unmasking the impact of COVID-19 on the livelihoods of small-scale fishers along the Kenyan coast for possible interventions 

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic caused many human deaths and was a multiplier of vulnerability for many households. Consequently, threatening attainment of food security especially in developing countries. This research survey examined the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on the lives of small-scale fishers associated with restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic among Kenya’s coastal fishing communities. The survey was undertaken through interviews of stakeholders in major fishing areas of Lamu, Malindi and Shimoni, which are the richest inshore fishing grounds with high concentration of artisanal fishers. 

Low-Tech, Community-Accessible Method to Restore a Degraded Reef, in Wasini Island, Kenya

Abstract
Coral reefs are among most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth; providing essential services such as supporting fisheries and tourism sectors, thereby contributing to food security, job creation, and economic development. However, around the world coral reefs are in decline and degraded state due to a combination of human and natural factors. Coral reef restoration is seen a tool that can be used to return the dying reefs and increase their resiliency Techniques for active restoration using coral farming and transplantation on artificial reef structures have been well developed and
proved to be viable for reef rehabilitation of degraded reefs, yet are rarely practiced. A pilot lowtech, community-accessible reef restoration project was implemented in Wasini community managed area, Kenya. The aim was to rehabilitate degraded reef areas using artificial reef structures. Here, we describe the steps involved in coral rehabilitation and the resulting outcomes.

Potential of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) in Phytoremediation of Kipevu Wastewaters

Abstract
Wastewater treatment worldwide has mainly been done using physical, chemical and biological treatment systems such as activated sludge and biological nutrient removal technologies. Mombasa produces large amounts of pollutant-laden effluent water that is collected and primarily treated and discharged into the Indian Ocean. Various pollutants such as nitrates, phosphates, zinc and cadmium in water bodies pose a threat to the aquatic species. The aim of this study was to explore
the potential of vetiver grass as a phytoremediation technology to minimise pollutants in water bodies. Field experiments were carried out using plastic containers of five litres which were set-up simultaneously with planted grass hydroponically. Wastewater was characterized for physicochemical parameters before and after treatment with the grass.

A Challenge to Community Development and Poverty Alleviation in Lamu County

Abstract
Water is considered a basic commodity and essential for life - living on planet earth is dependent on it. However, access to water has been and will continue to be a dilemma for a majority of the residents at the coast of Kenya. A close look at the window on “Coastal Resources and People” reveals that water is a key resource but despite its immense importance, many people especially in the rural areas and among the Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMG’s) do not have adequate access to potable, reliable and convenient sources of water. Lamu, currently considered among water scarce counties in Kenya as per the Lamu County Integrated Development Plan (http://lamu.go.ke/wp content/uploads/2016/03/LAMU_CIDP-Revised.June_2014-1.pdf), faces serious challenge of provision of potable water to its residents

Investigations have shown that the Kenyan cooast botanical resources are underutilized and have not been realized as exploitable resources. Aaprt from the mangroves which are heavily exploited, algae and marine angiospre resources are the least exploited. In a steo to realize these as future exploitable resources their current uses in kenya and how they could be used is discussed. Aview of research work which could be seen as a prelude to further research is also included.

In the modern world, research consstitutes a powerful instrument for accelerating the pace of development and no nation can afford to neglect it. Research and experimental development (R& D) are being made to serve in an ever increasing degree and socioeconomiic needs of society and human welfare in its various aspects.
The present inadequacy of information for developmental purpose has highlighted the vital role of research and the need to orient it to serve developmental objectives. The question of identification of problems and assigning of priority then become a national concern which should be related to the resource endowments and the overall national perspectives.