Directorate of Oceans & Coastal Systems and Blue Economy Research
Oceans & Coastal Systems and Blue Economy
The Directorate undertakes fisheries, environmental, ecological, chemical and physical oceanographic research in the marine and coastal environment in order to generate knowledge for the sustainable management and development of Blue Economy resources for enhanced socio-economic benefits to Kenyans.
Research activities encompass Marine & Coastal Fisheries, Oceanography and Hydrography, Laboratory Services, and Maritime Services — forming a comprehensive scientific capability that spans the full spectrum of Kenya's blue economy.
The Directorate conducts routine monthly Catch Assessment Surveys at 15 landing sites along the Kenya coast spanning all five coastal counties: Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
Legal Mandate
Established pursuant to Section 14 of the Science and Technology Act Cap 250 and transitional provisions in Section 47 of the STI Act No. 28 of 2013.
Research Vessel
RV Mtafiti has surveyed the full Kenyan EEZ, identifying high-productivity areas such as the Lamu Banks and the North Kenya Banks.
Primary Focus
Fisheries stock assessment, oceanographic monitoring, coastal ecosystem health, blue economy valuation, and maritime research services across Kenya's 600km coastline.
Our Four Core Departments
The Directorate operates through four specialised departments, each focused on a distinct but interconnected area of marine and coastal science.
Marine and Coastal Fisheries Research
Undertaking research in Marine & Coastal Fisheries and the Blue Economy to generate data informing investment and development of blue economy resources. Includes monthly Catch Assessment Surveys at 15 coastal landing sites and stock status estimation.
Oceanography and Hydrography
Undertaking research in oceanography and hydrography to generate knowledge on processes that modify water movement, water and seabed resources, climate, weather and related economic activities. Surveys cover Kenya's full EEZ using RV Mtafiti.
Laboratory Services
Providing specialised laboratory technical services for Oceans and Coastal Systems and Blue Economy research — supporting sample analysis, environmental monitoring, water quality assessment and chemical oceanography.
Maritime Services
Providing maritime operational services to all directorates at the Mombasa Centre including vessel management, safety compliance, logistics support for field campaigns and coordination of research expeditions.
Key Research Milestones
A timeline of significant research achievements and operational milestones that have shaped Kenya's marine and coastal science landscape.
Monthly Catch Assessment Surveys
Routine surveys at 15 landing sites spanning all five coastal counties (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu), collecting biological data on key species for estimating fish growth, maturity, fishing mortality and stock status.
Full Kenyan EEZ Surveyed — RV Mtafiti
RV Mtafiti has surveyed the entire Kenyan Exclusive Economic Zone, providing insights into breeding and fishing grounds. High-productivity areas — including Lamu Banks and North Kenya Banks — have been identified and documented.
Blue Economy Stock and Ecosystem Assessment
Surveys contribute information on stock status and pathways for exploring the Blue Economy, promoting collaboration in protection of coastal ecosystems and opening avenues for bioprospecting in the EEZ and ABNJ.
Expanded International Research Network
The Directorate has grown its collaborative network to over 30 international and local partners — from WIOMSA, UNEP and UNESCO to the World Bank (KEMSFED), Leibniz Centre ZMT and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Research Collaborators
The Directorate maintains an extensive network of local and international collaborators across universities, intergovernmental organisations, conservation bodies and funding agencies.