Mr. Joab Jared Ochingo

Email: joabjared1@gmail.com

Joab Jared Ochingo is an Assistant Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Kegati Aquaculture Research Centre. He holds a Joint International Master's degree in Limnology and Wetland Management from BOKU University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management from the University of Nairobi. His research focuses on fish breeding and genetics, conservation biology, water quality management, aquaculture systems engineering, and sustainable aquaculture.

His interests include hatchery technologies, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), climate-smart aquaculture, molecular ecology, and aquatic biodiversity conservation. His Master's research investigated the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for fisheries assessment in the satellite lakes of Lake Victoria, demonstrating the potential of molecular approaches to strengthen aquatic biodiversity monitoring and support evidence-based fisheries management. He has authored and co-authored scientific publications and technical reports in fisheries and aquatic sciences.

At Kegati, Jared conducts research on aquaculture production technologies, hatchery management, broodstock improvement, fish seed production, water quality monitoring, and aquaculture systems design. He contributed to the design and implementation of a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) for tilapia egg incubation and a large-scale concrete RAS for nursing fingerlings to improve hatchery efficiency and seed quality. He has also designed integrated aquaponic systems that demonstrate climate-smart aquaculture technologies for research, extension, and farmer adoption.

Jared collaborates with government institutions, academia, and the private sector, including Jumbo Fish Farm and Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), in research, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives. He has trained fish farmers on improved aquaculture practices and contributed to the training of Migori County fisheries officers on post-harvest loss reduction and sustainable aquaculture. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing innovative, science-based solutions that strengthen sustainable aquaculture, conserve aquatic biodiversity, enhance food and nutrition security, and support Kenya's blue economy.

• ▹ Conduct research on fish breeding and genetics, conservation biology, water quality management, and sustainable aquaculture
• ▹ Design, develop, and optimize Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), aquaponic systems, and other climate-smart aquaculture technologies
• ▹ Develop and implement research projects such as crayfish trials, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and scientific reporting
• ▹ Prepare research proposals, technical reports, scientific publications, and policy briefs
• ▹ Build capacity through training and mentorship of farmers, students, interns, and fisheries personnel on sustainable aquaculture practices
• ▹ Support resource mobilization through grant writing and collaborative research initiatives
• ▹ Disseminate research findings through scientific conferences, exhibitions, agricultural shows, workshops, and stakeholder forums

• ▹ Fish Breeding and Genetics
• ▹ Fish Nutrition
• ▹ Hatchery Technologies and Fish Seed Production
• ▹ Water Quality Management in Aquaculture
• ▹ Conservation Biology and Aquatic Biodiversity
• ▹ Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications in Fisheries

• ▹ 2025 – Joint International Master of Science (MSc) in Limnology and Wetland Management – Egerton University (Kenya), IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (The Netherlands), and BOKU University (Austria)
• ▹ 2020 – Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Fisheries and Aquaculture Management – University of Nairobi, Kenya

• ▹ Member – World Aquaculture Society (WAS)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) – Western Europe Region
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Nature and Global Change Nexus Thematic Group (2026-2029)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Ecosystem-Based Aquaculture Specialist Group (2026-2029)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Fisheries Expert Group Task Force (2026-2029)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystems Thematic Group (2026-2029)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Wetland Ecosystems Specialist Group (2026-2029)
• ▹ Commission Member – IUCN CEM Young Professionals Group (2026-2029)

• ▹ Editorial Board Member – Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research (AJFAR)