Research Scientist Freshwater Ecology & Fisheries Aquatic Ecology & Fisheries Management Multi-Stakeholder Processes • Community Development • Climate Adaptation Email: gmorara@kmfri.go.ke Email: g_morara@yahoo.com Academic Qualifications PhD in Fisheries – Kisii University, Kenya (2021)
MSc in International Studies of Tropical Aquatic Ecology – University of Bremen/Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Germany (2004)
BSc in Biological Sciences – JKUAT, Kenya (1995)
Advanced Professional Training – Sustainable Use of Coastal & Marine Resources (Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft/UmWent), Germany (2000) Research Location & Specialization KMFRI Naivasha
Department: Freshwater Systems
Specialization: Aquatic Ecology and Fisheries Management Professional Training Multi-Stakeholder Participatory Processes & Social Learning (CDI Wageningen)
Reconciling Livelihoods & Biodiversity Conservation – Protected Area Management (TU Dortmund)
Scientific Communication & Publishing
Community Environmental Governance & Policy Advocacy
Leadership Course
Quality Management Systems (QMS) – Implementation & Auditing
Performance Appraisals & Evaluation | Leadership Focus: Advancing sustainable freshwater fisheries through integrated ecosystem approaches, multi-stakeholder participation, and community-driven development for improved livelihoods and resource conservation. George Morara has long-time serving experience in freshwater ecology and fisheries. He completed his PhD degree in Fisheries (2021) at Kisii University, Kenya, with research focused on fish stocks exploitation and management in Lake Naivasha – one of Kenya's most important freshwater ecosystems. He holds a Master's degree in International Studies of Tropical Aquatic Ecology from the University of Bremen (Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Germany, 2004) and completed advanced professional training in sustainable use of coastal and marine resources (Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft / UmWent) in Germany (2000). He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT, Kenya, 1995). George has coordinated various multi-disciplinary research and development projects hosted by KMFRI in the context of freshwater and coastal systems. He has also served as a resource person in various national tasks including drafting the Lake Naivasha Basin Integrated Management Plan, reviewing the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute (KWSTI) curriculum for certificate and diploma programmes in aquaculture and fisheries, and serving as a part-time lecturer at Kisii University. Research Specializations & Interests Aquatic Ecology Fisheries Resource Assessment Multi-Stakeholder Participatory Processes Community-Driven Development Climate Change Impacts on Fishery Resources Adaptation Strategies Key Research Contributions & Publications Illegal Fishing in Lake Naivasha – Lead author on research documenting illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing methods and increasing trends in Lake Naivasha, Kenya (Lakes & Reservoirs 2021), providing critical evidence for enforcement and management interventions. Co-Management & Sustainable Development – Contributed to research on the impacts of co-management towards sustainable development and utilization of fisheries resources in Lake Naivasha (Poult Fish Wildl Sci 2020) and bio-economic modeling of fishing activities. Fish Kills & Water Quality – Investigated probable causes of fish kills in Lake Naivasha (IJFAS 2015) and characteristic relationships between phosphorous accrual, ecosystem aspects, and water level fluctuations in tropical lakes. Coastal Fisheries & Livelihoods – Co-author of book chapter on sustaining local livelihoods through coastal fisheries in Kenya (Sustainability Indicators In Practice, De Gruyter Open 2015). Public-Private Partnerships – Co-authored research on comprehensive public-private partnership concept for resources sustainability from a mega-project management multi-level perspective (International Journal of Management and Sustainability 2016). George Morara's extensive experience in freshwater ecology, fisheries research, and multi-stakeholder engagement at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to assess fish stocks sustainably, develop integrated management plans for freshwater systems, and build community resilience to climate change impacts – ensuring the long-term health and productivity of Kenya's inland water resources. | 
