Fishing Gear Exchange Program Launched to Safeguard Lamu's Marine Environment

Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy issues an alternative fishing gear to a fisher in Kiunga Community Conservancy, Lamu County.

The Northern Rangelands Trust, in collaboration with the Nature Conservancy Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services, the County Government of Lamu, Base Camp Foundation and other partners, has launched the fishing gear exchange program, a significant step towards protecting the marine environment in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. The exchange saw 176 fishermen and women of the Kiunga Community Wildlife Association issued with new alternative sustainable fishing gear in exchange for the traditional beach seine nets.

The eradication of illegal and destructive beach seine nets within Kiunga Marine National Reserve signifies a vital step in conserving Lamu’s marine ecosystems and safeguarding the diverse array of marine species it hosts. These nets have been known to cause extensive damage to coral reefs, capture non-targeted marine life, and disrupt the natural balance of the marine ecosystem.

The Nature Conservancy Africa’s Fisheries Strategy Manager, Mr. George Maina, said the institution is committed to working with partners to implement transparent and different sustainable fisheries approaches to protect Kenya's oceans.

"With the country focused on the blue economy, we must play our role in protecting the oceans. The fishing gear exchange program is a key component of our broader efforts to achieve our goal of protecting at least 30% of lands, fresh water, and ocean by 2030", said Mr. Maina.

Through the concerted efforts by the partners, the gear exchange program aims to alleviate the adverse effects on marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices. By combining the expertise, resources, and passion of the county government, partners and local communities, the program underscores a shared vision for the welfare of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve.

NRT Chief Programs Officer, Mr. Issa Gedi noted the immense promise the program holds for the preservation and rejuvenation of Kiunga. He also said NRT has a robust Marine Program which aims to protect habitats, reduce fishing pressure on nearshore areas, provide a community-driven approach to reef restoration and promote livelihood diversification.

“In 2022, we recorded a high number of voluntary exchange of illegal beach seine nets where 85% of fishers in Kiunga Marine National Reserve voluntarily accepted to replace their nets with the legal sustainable fishing gears under this Program”, noted Mr. Gedi.

The Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Senior Ass. Director, Community Relations Mr. Robert O’Brien said it is vital to protect critical marine habitats, which include coral reefs and mangroves, as they are breeding grounds for marine organisms that support the local fisheries.

"This program will go a long way in supporting KWS vision to sustainably manage Kenya's wildlife and its habitats for the benefit of nature and humanity. It is important that we build the capacity of fishing communities within the Kiunga – a marine protected park – address illegal fishing and promote sustainable practices to protect our valuable marine ecosystems", said Mr. O’Brien.

The fishing gear exchange program is an innovative approach that offers local fishermen an opportunity to exchange their illegal nets for more sustainable fishing gear. This program aims to eliminate the beach seine fishery from the reserve by 2025.

Lamu County Governor Issa Abdalla Timamy said that sustainable fishing practices would significantly improve the livelihoods of the fishing community, growing their potential and thus boosting the County's Blue Economy.

"This program is a step towards modernizing Lamu's cottage fishing sector as they face the realities of overfishing and climate change effects. It is important to note that Lamu county government has set aside KES 40 million to go towards fisheries and blue economy development budget as part of our commitment to improving the blue economy sector," said Governor Timamy.

In addition to safeguarding the marine ecosystem, the program also launched a scholarship fund of KES 7.5 million as supporting the local fishing community. The funds will specifically empower the Kiunga Ward fishing community through education.

The same event also saw the launch of Phase 1 of the village-based vocational training program, ‘Ujuzi Manyattani’, an initiative designed to equip 30 local youths with essential skills in boat engine repair and tailoring.