KMFRI Board Chair and Director General grace the official opening of the 13th Scientific WIOMSA Symposium in Mombasa

The 13th Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Scientific Symposium officially on 29th September, 2025, at PrideInn Paradise Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya. 

The week-long triennial event, held under the theme “One Ocean, One Future: Connecting People, Policy, and Science for a Thriving Western Indian Ocean,” has drawn together researchers, policymakers, early-career ocean professionals, and stakeholders to deliberate on the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.

In her welcoming remarks, Amb. Dr. Wenwa Akinyi Oranga, Chair of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Board of Management, underscored that the symposium is not only an academic forum but also a space where science informs policy, evidence drives investment, and partnerships shape solutions for both people and ecosystems.

>“This symposium resonates deeply with our mission. It is not just an academic gathering, but a platform where science meets policy, where evidence informs investment, and where partnerships shape solutions for the benefit of both people and ecosystems,” she said.

The meeting aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, serving as a platform to foster collaboration, innovation, and impactful action towards a thriving blue economy in the WIO region. It also provides a stage for institutions to showcase contributions in areas such as fisheries management, climate change adaptation, ocean governance, and marine biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Oranga further reaffirmed KMFRI’s commitment to offering leadership, research infrastructure, and institutional support to ensure Kenya and the region remain at the forefront of marine and coastal science.

> “As we begin this week of deliberations, let us remember that our task is not only to exchange ideas, but also to build partnerships, mentor the next generation of ocean scientists, and chart a course for sustainable blue economies that work for people and for nature.”

In his address, KMFRI Director General Dr. Paul S. Orina thanked WIOMSA and partners for convening the forum, highlighting its importance in advancing science, innovation, and collaboration across the WIO.

> “As KMFRI, we are proud to join the WIOMSA symposium, which provides a vital platform for advancing science, innovation, and collaboration in the region. This gathering reaffirms our shared commitment to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems while sustainably harnessing marine and fisheries resources for food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. The WIOMSA symposium is a unique opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen partnerships for a healthier ocean and a more food-secure future for our region.”

The symposium was officially opened by Principal Secretary, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Madam Betsy Njagi, who also presided over the launch of The Kenya Exclusive Economic Zone Fisheries and Environment Report—a milestone for the fisheries sector.

> “The task before us is clear: we must act boldly, with urgency, and with unity. Let us ensure that Africa’s Ocean becomes not a story of loss, but a beacon of hope for the world,” she urged.

The event was also graced by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation, as well as KMFRI board members and other dignitaries.