Eight Fisheries Co-Management Plans Unveiled to Boost Marine Conservation in Kenya
Blue Economy
Published on 01/24/2025

Allan Kai

Kenya has taken a significant step toward sustainable marine resource management with the unveiling of eight new Joint Co-Management Area (JCMA) plans, a move hailed as a major milestone for marine conservation along the country’s coastline. The plans, endorsed by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) and county fisheries departments from Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, and Lamu counties, cover over 6,300 km² of Indian Ocean waters and aim to harmonize efforts among key stakeholders.

The JCMAs were developed under the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development Project (KEMFSED) and bring together 42 Beach Management Units (BMUs) from the five counties. These BMUs will spearhead the implementation of the plans, working closely with both national and county governments, as well as other partners in the marine conservation space.

Map indicating areas to be under the Joint Co-Management Areas (JCMAs) plans. Credit: kemfsed.org

Focus on Community-Led Conservation

At the heart of these co-management plans is a commitment to empowering local communities. Each of the 42 BMUs has updated its by-laws to incorporate innovative management measures. These include designating no-fishing zones to allow fish stocks to recover, banning destructive fishing practices, and protecting critical marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests.

KeFS Director General Daniel Mungai presided over the event, which marks a turning point in how Kenya manages its marine resources, involving local communities directly in decision-making and ensuring conservation efforts are effective and equitable.

A Research-Backed Approach to Governance

The shift toward co-management is supported by global research that highlights the ecological benefits of shared governance. A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that marine protected areas (MPAs) governed through shared arrangements—where decision-making is inclusive of community stakeholders—achieved 98% higher fish biomass compared to those managed solely by state entities. Collaborative approaches leverage the local knowledge of resource users, foster compliance, and encourage sustainable practices, leading to better ecological and social outcomes.

A Milestone for the Kenyan Coastline

The newly unveiled plans include:

  • Lamu Bay JCMA: 10 BMUs
  • Kwale County JCMAs: Shimoni-Vanga (7 BMUs), Chale-Gazi (2 BMUs), and Mwandamu-Funzi (6 BMUs)
  • Kilifi County JCMAs: TAMKIBO (4 BMUs), Malindi-Magarini (5 BMUs), and KAMAMKUKI, a joint effort with Mombasa that involves 3 BMUs from Kilifi and 2 from Mombasa.

These areas aim to address critical challenges, such as overfishing and habitat degradation, while ensuring that local fishers benefit economically from the sustainability of the resources. The plans are also expected to enhance biodiversity, bolster tourism opportunities, and improve coastal livelihoods.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of these plans comes as Kenya works toward meeting its global conservation commitments, including the 30x30 target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. These efforts, coupled with the active involvement of coastal communities, signify a shift toward more sustainable and inclusive marine resource management.

 

“This is not just about protecting marine life; it’s about securing livelihoods and fostering a sense of ownership among communities,” said one BMU member from Kwale County. “We are ready to lead by example and show that conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand.”

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