Mombasa: The 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) symposium has brought together more than 1200 participants in Mombasa, underscoring the growing importance of science in shaping sustainable management of the region’s ocean resources. Speaking at the official opening of the symposium, Chairperson of the Board of Management Dr. Wenwa Akinyi of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) highlighted the symposium as a reflection of Kenya’s rising role in advancing marine and coastal science.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Akinyi noted that KMFRI has spent over four decades building a reputation as a centre of excellence in areas such as fisheries research, aquaculture innovation, biodiversity monitoring, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem modelling. ‘From pioneering climate-smart cage farming systems to restoring mangroves and protecting coral reefs, our scientists are contributing knowledge that directly informs policy and benefits communities,’ Akinyi stated.
Convened under the theme ‘Connecting People, Policy and Science,’ the symposium comes at a critical time when oceans and freshwater systems face mounting pressure from overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. Akinyi emphasized that the Blue Economy offers vast opportunities for job creation, food security, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology, but only if science and policy work in tandem.
She applauded WIOMSA for nearly three decades of nurturing young scientists, strengthening institutions, and ensuring the region’s voice is heard on global platforms. Akinyi also acknowledged the support of partners including UNEP through the Nairobi Convention Secretariat, UNESCO-IOC, universities, NGOs, and development agencies. ‘As KMFRI, we see this symposium as an opportunity to consolidate the science that will guide our region in seizing opportunities while tackling challenges head on,’ she said, noting that this is the third time Kenya is co-hosting the biennial event after 1997 and 2011.
The KMFRI chairperson urged scientists to be bold in presenting their findings, policymakers to listen keenly, and all stakeholders to commit to turning knowledge into action. WIOMSA President Marie-May Jeremie said the symposium aimed at closing the gap between researchers and policymakers. ‘Our focus is ensuring that the science we produce is relevant in informing the management of ocean resources across the WIOMSA region,’ Jeremie said. ‘We want to connect scientists, practitioners, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector so that knowledge leads to tangible action,’ she added.
She underscored inclusivity as a guiding principle, citing efforts to expand participation across all 10 WIOMSA countries and island states, and to enhance accessibility through the use of multiple languages, including Portuguese and French. ‘The record attendance is testament to the sense of belonging and pride members feel in WIOMSA. It also reflects the progress we have made in ensuring inclusivity and collaboration,’ she added.
Despite these gains, Jeremie noted, the region faces pressing challenges including pollution, habitat degradation, and the escalating impacts of climate change that threaten coastal communities and ecosystems. ‘To tackle these issues, we are co-developing solutions with communities and partners to ensure our science benefits not only the WIOMSA region but also informs global efforts,’ she said, adding that scientists were engaging with colleagues from more than 34 countries.
As the week-long symposium unfolds, participants are reaffirming their commitment to partnership, knowledge-sharing, and action to secure the health of the Western Indian Ocean for generations to come.