Research Scientist Marine Fisheries & Ecology Fish Population Dynamics & Stock Assessment Ecosystem Functioning • Climate Change • Fisheries Surveys • Microplastic Pollution Email: ekimani@kmfri.co.ke Email: edwardndirui@yahoo.com Academic Qualifications PhD (Zoology) MSc (Marine Science) BSc Honours (Zoology/Botany) Research Experience Over 25 years of research experience in marine fisheries and ecology covering diverse areas Research Location & Specialization KMFRI Mombasa Research Centre Department: Oceans and Coastal System Fisheries Specialization: Marine Fisheries Research, Marine & Coastal Ecosystems Functioning, Marine Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Research Interests: Fish Population Dynamics, Stock Assessment, Ecosystem Function, Climate Change | Leadership Focus: Advancing understanding of fish population dynamics and stock assessment, investigating ecosystem responses to climate and human-induced changes, and guiding fisheries and environmental research surveys for sustainable marine resource management. Dr. Edward Kimani is a Research Scientist at KMFRI specializing in marine fisheries and ecology with over 25 years of research experience covering diverse areas. His research interests include fish population dynamics, stock assessment, ecosystem functioning and responses to climate and human-induced changes, as well as fisheries and environmental research survey planning and implementation. Dr. Kimani's current research encompasses multiple critical areas including RV Mtafiti hydro-acoustics and environmental surveys in the Kenya EEZ, By-catch assessment and mitigation for management (BYCAM) in the Western Indian Ocean region, large pelagic fish stock assessment, shallow water and deep water crustacean trawl fishery assessment, small scale fisheries catch assessment, and microplastic pollution in coastal fish marine ecosystems. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Kimani has made significant contributions to understanding Kenya's marine fisheries resources, from mangrove ecosystems to deep-sea environments, and has been instrumental in shaping fisheries research and management strategies along the Kenyan coast. Current Research Areas RV Mtafiti Hydro-acoustics & Environmental Surveys – Kenya EEZ BYCAM – By-catch Assessment & Mitigation (WIO Region) Large Pelagic Fish Stock Assessment Shallow & Deep Water Crustacean Trawl Fishery Assessment Small Scale Fisheries Catch Assessment Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Fish Marine Ecosystems Research Specializations & Expertise
Key Research Contributions & Publications Microplastic Pollution – Co-authored research on microplastic pollution in surface waters of creeks along the Kenyan coast (WIO Journal of Marine Science 2020) and occurrence and ingestion of microplastics by zooplankton in Kenya's marine environment (African Journal of Marine Science 2018) – first documented evidence. Kenya Marine Fisheries – Co-authored research on Kenya marine fisheries as the next frontier for economic growth (Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management 2021) and a review of the status and potential of coastal and marine fisheries resources in Kenya (International Journal of Marine Science 2014). Trawl Fisheries & By-catch – Extensive research on bottom shrimp trawling impacts on species distribution and fishery dynamics in Ungwana Bay (Fisheries Science 2012), trawling effort distribution using Vessel Monitoring Systems in Malindi-Ungwana Bay (Marine Policy 2019), and propulsion-gear-based characterization of artisanal fisheries. Deep-Sea & Crustacean Fisheries – Research on demersal trawl surveys showing ecological gradients in Southwest Indian Ocean slope fauna (WIO Journal of Marine Science 2015) and composition and abundance of deep-water crustaceans in the Southwest Indian Ocean. Coral Reef & Aquarium Fisheries – Research on catch composition and sustainability of the marine aquarium fishery in Kenya (Fisheries Research 2016), culture suitability of selected coral species for the ornamental trade (WIO Journal of Marine Science 2015), and gear-based species selectivity between artisanal and aquarium fisheries. Mangrove & Estuarine Fisheries – Pioneering research on fish communities in East African mangroves, effects of turbidity and distance (Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science 2008), stable isotope records from otoliths as tracers of fish migration in mangrove systems (Journal of Fish Biology 2007), and comparison of fish community structure between forested and cleared mangrove habitats (Estuary Coastal and Shelf Science 2004). International Collaborations – Participated in large-scale global studies on macroalgal diversity and biomass in Northern Hemisphere rocky shores (PLoS One 2010) and spatial distribution patterns of echinoderms in nearshore rocky habitats (PLoS One 2010). Dr. Edward Kimani's extensive research and leadership in marine fisheries and ecology at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to assess fish stocks, understand ecosystem dynamics, address climate change impacts, and manage marine resources sustainably – contributing critical scientific evidence for the conservation and economic development of Kenya's marine fisheries. |