Ocean & Coastal Systems Laboratories (OCS Labs)
The KMFRI Ocean and Coastal Systems (OCS) Laboratories offer specialized, high-precision analytical services in chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, fisheries, post-harvest, and biological oceanography to support marine research and the Blue Economy. These integrated laboratories provide critical, technology-driven data for environmental surveillance, sustainable aquaculture, and aquatic resource management.
Our Laboratories & Services
- Nutrient profiling (nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, silicates, orthophosphates)
- Trace & heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe)
- Elemental analysis (CHNSO) in sediments & organic matter
- Physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, salinity, DO, BOD, COD)
- Organic pollutants & pesticide residue analysis
- Total & faecal coliforms, E. coli
- Salmonella, Vibrio species, Listeria monocytogenes
- Total Viable Count (TVC), Staphylococcus aureus
- Yeasts and moulds
- Feed, food, seafood & water quality monitoring
- DNA & RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR
- Species authentication & genetic diversity analysis
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring
- Population genetics & molecular pathogen detection
- Sterile Pre-PCR / Post-PCR workflow segregation
- Biological assessments of fish, crustaceans & cephalopods
- Stock evaluation & population dynamics
- Scientific evidence for management, policy & conservation
- Training & mentorship in fisheries science
- Fish freshness assessment (sensory, TMA, TVB)
- Macronutrient analysis (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, energy)
- Shelf-life and stability testing
- Value addition & product development
- Post-harvest loss assessment
- Phyto- & zooplankton identification; HAB monitoring
- Ichthyoplankton (fish larvae & egg surveys)
- Benthic biodiversity, macro- & meiofauna analysis
- Seagrass, mangrove & habitat mapping
- Biodiversity surveys & long-term ecological monitoring
- Particle size distribution (Mastersizer 3000)
- Clay–silt–sand fraction analysis
- Grain-size statistics (D10, D50, D90, sorting, skewness)
- Fine & cohesive sediment characterization
- Marine geology & blue carbon research support
- Gamma detection of natural (NORM) & anthropogenic radionuclides
- Pb-210 alpha spectrometry & sediment dating (CF-CS/CIC/CRS)
- Ocean acidification & carbonate-system monitoring
- Micro-, meso- & macroplastics quantification (ALDFG)
- Mercury (DMA-80) & trace-metal contaminant analysis
- Preventive & corrective maintenance of lab and oceanographic equipment
- Calibration of Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments (NAWI)
- Equipment management systems, SOPs & registers
- Support for marine sensors, sondes, data loggers & telemetry
- ISO/IEC 17025 compliance & technical training
Applications
Environmental Monitoring & Mapping
National and regional surveillance of marine, estuarine and freshwater bodies, pairing analytical data with GIS to track pollution plumes and hotspots.
Climate Change & Blue Carbon
Sediment-core and organic-matter analysis to quantify blue carbon stocks and evaluate ocean acidification trends.
Food & Seafood Safety
Microbiological and nutritional testing safeguarding public health across fisheries and aquaculture value chains.
Biodiversity & Conservation
eDNA, taxonomy and ecological assessments supporting stock identification, invasive-species monitoring and habitat restoration.
Fisheries Management & Policy
Biological intelligence and stock assessment informing sustainable harvesting frameworks and regulation.
EIA & Regulatory Compliance
Baseline surveys and expert data interpretation for Environmental Impact Assessments, policy formulation and litigation.
Accreditation & Certifications
KENAS ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Accreditation for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (in progress at the Mombasa Main Laboratory).
KENAS ISO 9001:2015
Certified Quality Management System ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery.
NEMA Approved
Approved for environmental testing and services by the National Environment Management Authority.
Why Choose Us
Accurate & Reliable
Standardized testing methods delivering accurate, legally defensible results.
Wide Scope
A comprehensive range of tests and services across multiple scientific disciplines.
Fast Turnaround
Efficient, timely delivery of results with competitive testing rates.
Experienced Team
Trusted by government, academia and development partners nationwide.
Location: KMFRI Headquarters, Mkomani, Mombasa
Postal: P.O. Box 81651–80100, Mombasa, Kenya
Tel: +254 (20) 8021561 / +254 712 003853
Email: director@kmfri.go.ke
