The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) will host the 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Symposium in Mombasa from September 29 to October 3, bringing together more than 1,200 delegates from across the region to discuss the future of ocean sustainability.
Speaking ahead of the event, KMFRI Director General, Dr. Paul Orina, said the symposium, themed “One Ocean, One Future: Bringing People, Policy and Science Together,” will serve as a critical platform for countries in the Western Indian Ocean to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and chart policies for sustainable use of marine resources.
“The ocean is a living system and has its own responses to climate change. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are already displacing communities along the coast. This symposium will allow us to explore solutions, from conservation to early warning systems, that safeguard both livelihoods and ecosystems,” Dr Orina said.
Kenya, as host, is expected to showcase its leadership in marine research, blue economy policy, and community-driven conservation.
KMFRI is spearheading discussions on mangrove protection, coral reef restoration, seaweed farming, and the commercialisation of Artemia, a valuable aquaculture resource.
Dr Orina emphasised that sustainable exploitation of fisheries and marine resources is vital for coastal livelihoods, which depend on fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and conservation.
“Our focus is not just research, but research that informs policy and creates real opportunities for communities, especially women and youth, through value addition and innovation,” he noted.
He highlighted KMFRI’s efforts to support small-scale fishers with cold storage facilities, promote seaweed farming for women, and develop marine innovation hubs that integrate ICT, artificial intelligence, and real-time data collection.
According to Dr Orina, the outcomes of the symposium are expected to influence national and regional policies on marine resource management, aligning with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“Our ecosystems are delicate and must be handled with care. Each organism in the ocean plays an integral role in our survival. What we release into our waters ultimately comes back to us. This symposium will be a wake-up call on how to protect our resources while creating jobs and investment opportunities,” he said.
Delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius and Comoros are expected to attend, alongside international partners and investors.
By Chari Suche
