Leadership Focus: Advancing understanding of mangrove ecosystem dynamics, investigating woodborer infestation and fungal degradation, and promoting sustainable seaweed mariculture for coastal community development. Dr. Elisha Mrabu is a Research Officer at KMFRI Mombasa with a strong interest in mangrove ecology and conservation. Specifically, his interest is in mangrove fauna, where he has studied gastropod behavior and crustacean ecology and physiology. Currently, he is studying woodborer infestation in mangroves and the role of fungi in degrading mangroves. Dr. Mrabu has 8 peer-reviewed publications to his credit and is currently pursuing his PhD at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. His doctoral research focuses on advancing knowledge of mangrove wood anatomy and physiology, building on his extensive field experience along the Kenyan coastline. Apart from mangrove ecology, Dr. Mrabu also has immense experience in seaweed farming, contributing to the development and commercialization of seaweed mariculture along the south coast of Kenya – an important blue economy initiative that supports coastal livelihoods. Research Specializations & Interests Mangrove Macrobenthos Studies – Kenya & Mozambique Mangrove Wood Anatomy & Physiology Natural & Non-Natural Disturbances in Mangroves Woodborer Infestation & Fungal Degradation Gastropod Behavior & Crustacean Ecology/Physiology Seaweed Mariculture Development & Commercialisation Key Research Contributions & Publications Mangrove Insect Infestation – Lead author on research documenting wide-ranging insect infestation of the pioneer mangrove Sonneratia alba by two insect species along the Kenyan Coast (PLoS ONE 2016), contributing to understanding of mangrove health and disturbance dynamics. Seaweed Cultivation – Co-authored research on cultivation and utilisation of red seaweeds in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Region (Journal of Applied Phycology 2013), supporting blue economy development. Urban Wastewater Impacts – Co-authored research on effects of urban wastewater on crab and mollusc assemblages in equatorial and subtropical mangroves of East Africa (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 2009), informing pollution management strategies. Gastropod Behavior – Research on random walk, zonation, and food searching strategy of Terebralia palustris in Kenya (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 2008) and rhythmic vertical migration of Cerithidea decollata in Kenyan mangrove forests (Marine Biology 2007). Tree-Climbing Gastropods – Research on tree-climbing behavior of Cerithidea decollata, a Western Indian Ocean mangrove gastropod (Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK 2006). Climate Change & Mangrove Biodiversity – Masters thesis on the impact of indirect effects of climate change on mangrove-associated biodiversity (Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 2009). Dr. Elisha Mrabu's research at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to understand mangrove ecosystem dynamics, investigate threats such as woodborer infestation and fungal degradation, and promote sustainable seaweed mariculture – contributing critical scientific evidence for the conservation of Kenya's mangrove forests and the development of blue economy opportunities for coastal communities. | 
