Mombasa: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, 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. Dr. Orina emphasized that the symposium will allow participants to explore solutions, from conservation efforts to the development of early warning systems, aimed at safeguarding both livelihoods and ecosystems.
Kenya, as the host nation, is expected to showcase its leadership in marine research, blue economy policy, and community-driven conservation. KMFRI is leading discussions on critical topics such as mangrove protection, coral reef restoration, seaweed farming, and the commercialization of Artemia, a valuable aquaculture resource. Dr. Orina emphasized the importance of sustainable exploitation of fisheries and marine resources, which are vital for coastal livelihoods dependent on sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and conservation.
The focus of the symposium extends beyond research; it is about research that informs policy and creates tangible opportunities for communities, particularly women and youth, through value addition and innovation. Dr. Orina highlighted KMFRI’s initiatives 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. He stressed the delicacy of ecosystems and the need for careful handling, emphasizing that each organism in the ocean plays an integral role in human survival. The symposium aims to serve as a wake-up call on how to protect resources while creating jobs and investment opportunities.
Delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Comoros are expected to attend, alongside international partners and investors.
