Dr. Chrispine Nyamweya is an experienced ecologist with a track record of success in ecological modeling, fisheries science, data science, and smart technologies. He is currently a Senior Research Scientist and Assistant Director at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), where he has a successful 13-year research career. He specializes in utilizing simulation models to describe ecosystem functioning. Chrispine received a Doctorate Degree in Ecological Modeling from the University of Iceland in 2017. Chrispine built two models while in school: I ROMS to explain Lake Victoria circulation patterns and ii) Atlantis to characterize ecosystem functioning — the first end-to-end ecosystem model for Lake Victoria. He utilized the latter to forecast the best fishing approach for both the ecology and humans. Chrispine is extremely driven to apply his analytical talents to study data, uncover patterns, trends, and relationships, and identify action points for the long-term management of vulnerable ecosystems. Chrispine is a science communicator who is excited in using technology, big data, deep learning, and artificial intelligence to give decision assistance for ecosystem management. He holds international diplomas in Marine and Inland Waters, Resources, Monitoring, and Assessment, Fisheries Acoustics, Fishbase and Taxonomy, and Research Project Design. Chrispine is fluent in the statistical computer languages R and Python, as well as MySQL, which he uses to create and communicate with databases. He is dedicated to democratizing research by fostering collaborative networks and encouraging citizen science. He has developed a web-based database (https://kenyasdata.com) for KMFRI's Freshwater directorate, published more than 45 papers in SCI-indexed journals, and been an investigator in at least 20 national, regional, and international initiatives to promote this cause.

• Research Network: Research Gate
  
  

• Natugonza, V., Nyamweya, C., Sturludóttir, E., Musinguzi, L., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Bassa, S., Mplaponi, E., Tomasson, T., & Stefansson, G. (2022). Spatiotemporal variation in fishing patterns and fishing pressure in Lake Victoria (East Africa) in relation to balanced harvest. Fisheries Research, 252(April), 106355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2022.106355
• Aura, C. M., Nyamweya, C. S., Owiti, H., Lewo Mwarabu, R., Ongore, C. O., Musa, S., Njiru, J. M., & Abila, R. O. (2022). Linking citizen science with contamination levels of small water bodies for generation of essential information for conservation and investment. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 27(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12402
• Ontomwa, M. B., Kimani, E. N., Fulanda, B. M., & Nyamweya, C. S. (2022). Evaluation of the Kenya long line pelagic fishery: Temporal variation in fishing effort and catch rates. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 102320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2022.102320
• Morara, G. N., Getabu, A. M., Njiru, J. M., Omondi, R., Mutie, A., & Nyamweya, C. S. (2022). Shifts in composition of fish species of fishery in Lake Naivasha, Kenya: Trend implications for fishing effort, yields and revenue. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12397
• Aura, C. M., Owiti, H., Nyamweya, C., Odoli, C. O., Obuya, J. A., Ogari, Z., Njiru, J. M., & Van der Knaap, M. (2022). Aligning small indigenous fish species (SIS) in policy and management for enhanced food security and nutrition: The case of the Kenyan Lake Victoria Omena fishery. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12399
• Plisnier, P.-D., Kayanda, R., MacIntyre, S., Obiero, K., Okello, W., Vodacek, A., Cocquyt, C., Abegaz, H., Achieng, A., Akonkwa, B., Albrecht, C., Balagizi, C., Barasa, J., Bashonga, R. A., Bishobibiri, A. B., Bootsma, H., Borges, A. V., Chavula, G., Dadi, T., … Lawrence, T. (2022). Need for harmonized long-term multi-lake monitoring of African Great Lakes. Journal of Great Lakes Research, xxxx, 43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2022.01.016
• Otieno, D., Nyaboke, H., Nyamweya, C. S., Odoli, C. O., Aura, C. M., & Outa, N. O. (2022). Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) infestation cycle and interactions with nutrients and aquatic biota in Winam Gulf (Kenya), Lake Victoria. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12391
• May, L., Aura, C. M., Becker, V., Briddon, C. L., Carvalho, L. R., Dobel, A. J., Jamwal, P., Kamphius, B., Marinho, M. M., McGowan, S., Nandini, C., Nyamweya, C., Ongore, C., Sarma, S. S. S., & Wishart, M. J. (2021). Getting into hot water : Water quality in tropical lakes in relation to their utilisation Getting into hot water : Water quality in tropical lakes in relation to their utilisation. International Conference on the Ocean and Earth Sciences, 789, 012021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/789/1/012021
• Masese, F. O., Achieng, A. O., Raburu, P. O., Lawrence, T., Ives, J. T., Nyamweya, C., & Kaunda, B. (2020). Distribution patterns and diversity of riverine fishes of the. International Review of Hydrobiology, August, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/iroh.202002039
• Nyamweya, C.S., Natugonza, V., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Aura, C.M., Njiru, J.M., Ongore, C., Mangeni-Sande, R., Kashindye, B.B., Odoli, C.O., Ogari, Z., Kayanda, R., 2020. A century of drastic change: Human-induced changes of Lake Victoria fisheries and ecology. Fish. Res. 230, 105564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105564.
• Proud, R., Mangeni-Sande, R., Kayanda, R. J., Cox, M. J., Nyamweya, C., Ongore, C., Natugonza, V., Everson, I., Elison, M., Hobbs, L., Kashindye, B. B., Mlaponi, E. W., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Mwainge, V. M., Kagoya, E., Pegado, A., Nduwayesu, E., & Brierley, A. S. (2020). Automated classification of schools of the silver cyprinid Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria acoustic survey data using random forests. ICES Journal of Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa052
• Natugonza, V., Ainsworth, C., Sturludóttir, E., Musinguzi, L., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Tomasson, T., Nyamweya, C., & Stefansson, G. (2020). Simulating trade-offs between socio-economic and conservation objectives for Lake Victoria (East Africa) using multispecies, multifleet ecosystem models. Fisheries Research, 229(April), 105593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2020.105593
• Aura, C.M., Odoli, C., Nyamweya, C.S., Njiru, J.M., Musa, S., Miruka, J.B., Owili, M.O., Omondi, R., Raburu, P., Manyala, J., Mwamburi, J., Ogari, Z., Mbaru, E.K., 2020. Application of phytoplankton community structure for ranking the major riverine catchments influencing the pollution status of a lake basin. Lakes Reserv. Res. Manag. 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12307
• Natugonza, V., Ainsworth, C., Sturludóttir, E., Musinguzi, L., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Tomasson, T., Nyamweya, C., Stefansson, G., 2019. Ecosystem models of Lake Victoria (East Africa): Can Ecopath with Ecosim and Atlantis predict similar policy outcomes? J. Great Lakes Res. 45, 1260–1273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2019.09.018
• Natugonza, V., Ainsworth, C., Sturludóttir, E., Musinguzi, L., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Tomasson, T., Nyamweya, C., Stefansson, G., 2020. Ecosystem modelling of data-limited fisheries: How reliable are Ecopath with Ecosim models without historical time series fitting? J. Great Lakes Res. 2–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2020.01.001
• Aura, C.M., Nyamweya, C.S., Owili, M., Gichuru, N., Kundu, R., Njiru, J.M., Ntiba, M.J., 2020. Checking the pulse of the major commercial fisheries of lake Victoria Kenya, for sustainable management. Fish. Manag. Ecol. fme.12414. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12414
• Hamilton, S.E., Gallo, S.M., Krach, N., Nyamweya, C.S., Okechi, J.K., Aura, C., Oragi, Z., Roberts, P., Kaufman, L., 2019. The use of unmanned aircraft systems and high-resolution satellite imagery to monitor tilapia fish-cage aquaculture expansion in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Bull. Mar. Sci. https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2019.0063
• Natugonza, V., Ainsworth, C., Sturludóttir, E., Musinguzi, L., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Tomasson, T., Nyamweya, C., Stefansson, G., 2019. Ecosystem models of Lake Victoria ( East Africa ): Can Ecopath with Ecosim and Atlantis predict similar policy outcomes ? J. Great Lakes Res. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2019.09.018
• Odoli, C., Owiti, H., Kobingi, N., Obiero, M., Ogari, Z., Mugo, J., Nyamweya, C., Aura, M.C. (2019). Post-harvest interventions in small-scale fisheries: A boon or a bane to food and nutritional security in Kenya? Journal of Food Security https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-019-00950-x.
• Gichuru, N., Nyamweya, C.S., Owili, M., Mboya, D., Wanyama, R., 2019. Poor management of Lake Victoria fisheries (Kenya); a threat to sustainable fish supplies. Nat. Faune 32, 38–43.
• Nyaundi, J., Getabu, A., Kengara, F., Onchieku, J., Njiru, M., Kinaro, Z., Babu, J., Sitoki, L., Nyamweya, C., Osoro, E., 2019. Assessment of organochlorine pesticides ( OCPs ) contamination in relation to physico-chemical parameters in the Upper River Kuja Catchment , Kenya ( East Africa ). Int. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud. 7, 172–179.
• Aura, C.M., Nyamweya, C.S., Njiru, J.M., Odoli, C., Musa, S., Ogari, Z., Abila, R., Okeyo, R., Oketch, R., 2019. Using fish landing sites and markets information towards quantification of the blue economy to enhance fisheries management. Fish. Manag. Ecol. 1–12.
• Mwamburi, J., Yongo, E., Aura, M.C., Babu, M.J., Basweti, M.G., Gichuru, N.N., Guya, F., Nyaboke, H., Nyamweya, C., Nyaundi, K.J., Odoli, C.O., Ogwai, A.C., Okechi, J., Ombwa, V., Omwega, R., Ongore, C., Owili, M., Owiti, H., Wawiye, I.P., 2018. Biodiversity & Endangered Species Balancing Community needs and Resource Protection : The Case of Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya. J. Biodivers. Endanger. Species 6, 1–12.
• Ongore, C. O., Aura, C. M., Ogari, Z., Njiru, J. M., & Nyamweya, C. S. (2018). Spatial-temporal dynamics of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.), other macrophytes and their impact on fisheries in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Journal of Great Lakes Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2018.10.001
• Aura, C.M., Nyamweya, C.S., Njiru, J.M., Musa, S., Ogari, Z., May, L., Wakwabi, E., (2018). Exploring the demarcation requirements of fish breeding and nursery sites to balance the exploitation, management and conservation needs of Lake Victoria ecosystem. Fish. Manag. Ecol. 1–9.
• Njiru, J., van der Knaap, M., Kundu, R., Nyamweya, C., (2018). Lake Victoria fisheries: Outlook and management. Lakes Reserv. Res. Manag. 23, 152–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12220
• Mangeni-Sande, R., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Ogutu-Ohwayo, R., Nkalubo, W., Natugonza, V., Nakiyende, H., Nyamweya, C.S., Muwanika, V.B., 2018. Spatial and temporal differences in life history parameters of Rastrineobola argentea (Pellegrin, 1904) in the Lake Victoria basin in relation to fishing intensity. Fish. Manag. Ecol. 1–7.
• Aloo, P. A., Njiru, M. J., Balirwa, J. S. and Nyamweya C. S. (2017) Impacts of Nile Perch, Lates niloticus on the Ecology, Economy and Conservation of Lake Victoria, East Africa. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management, 22: 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/lre.12192
• Nyamweya, C., Sturludottir, E., Tomasson, E. A., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Njiru, M., & Stefansson, G. (2017) Prediction of Lake Victoria’s response to varied fishing regimes using the Atlantis ecosystem model. Fish Research, 194: 76-83, DOI: 10.1016/j.fishres.2017.05.014
• Ogello, E. O., Kembenya, E. M., Githukia, C. M., Aera, C. N., Munguti, J. M., and Nyamweya, C. S. (2017) Substitution of fish meal with sunflower seed meal in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) reared in earthen ponds. Journal of applied aquaculture, At23:45 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10454438.2016.1275074
• Kundu, R., Aura, C. M., Nyamweya, C., Agembe, S., Sitoki, L., Lung'ayia, H. B. O., Ongore, C., Ogari, Z. and Werimo, K. (2017), Changes in pollution indicators in Lake Victoria, Kenya and their implications for lake and catchment management. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management, 22: 199–214. http://dx.doi.org/:10.1111/lre.1218
• Nyamweya, C., Sturludottir, E., Tomasson, T., Fulton, E. A., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Njiru, M., & Stefansson, G. (2016). Exploring Lake Victoria ecosystem functioning using the Atlantis modeling framework. Environmental Modelling & Software, 86: 158–167. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.09.019
• Nyamweya, C., Desjardins, C., Sigurdsson, S., Tomasson, T., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Sitoki, L., & Stefansson, G. (2016). Simulation of Lake Victoria Circulation Patterns Using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). PLoS ONE, 11(3): e0151272. http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151272
• Kundu, R., Muchiri, M., Njiru, M., and Nyamweya, C. (2016) Effect of Social and Economic Drivers on Success of Small Scale Fish farming in Western Kenya. African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries, 14: 29- 44
• Omondi, R, Kembenya, E., Nyamweya, C. S., Ouma, H., Machua, S. K. and Ogari, Z. (2014). Recent limnological changes and their implication on fisheries in Lake Baringo, Kenya. Journal of Ecology and the Natural Environment. 6(5): 154-163
• Taabu-Munyaho, A., Nyamweya, C. S., Sitoki, L., Kayanda, R., Everson, I., and Marteinsdóttir, G. (2014). Spatial temporal variation in the distribution and density of pelagic fish species in Lake Victoria, East Africa. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 17(1):52–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14634988.2014.876886
• Ojwang, W., Ojuok, J. E., Nyamweya, C. S., Agembe, S., Owili, M., Yongo, E., and Wakwabi, E. O. (2014). The intriguing dynamics of Rastrineobola argentea fishery in the Kenyan waters of Lake Victoria. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 17 (1): 80–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14634988.2014.879036
• Njiru, M., Van der Knaap, M., Taabu-Munyaho, A., Nyamweya, C. S., Kayanda, R., and Marshall, B. E. (2014). Management of Lake Victoria fishery: Are we looking for easy solutions? Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 17 (1) 70-79. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14634988.2014.881220
• Nyamweya, C.S., Mlewa, C.M., Ngugi, C.C., et al. (2012) Aspects of the biology of Labeo cylindricus (Pisces: cyprinidae) in Lake Baringo, Kenya. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management 17, 225–229.
• Nyamweya, C.S., Mlewa, C.M., Ngugi, C.C. and Kaunda-arara, B. (2010a) Daily growth of young-of-the-year of the Baringo tilapia. African Zoology 45, 139–143.
• Nyamweya, C.S., Mlewa, C.M., Ngugi, C.C. and Kaunda-Arara, B. (2010b) Validation of daily growth of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) young-of-the-year from Lake Baringo, Kenya. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management 15, 341–345.