Research Scientist KMFRI – Oceanography & Hydrography Marine Ecology & Seagrass Ecosystems Seagrass Restoration • Biomarker Techniques • Ecosystem Functioning Email: ldaudi@kmfri.go.ke Email: lillynduku@gmail.com Current Research Focus Impact of ecosystem disturbance on ecological functioning – lower trophic levels (microalgae, epiphytic meiofauna) and higher trophic levels (macroinvertebrates, fish assemblages) Academic Qualifications Doctoral Programme (Marine Biology) – Ghent University, Belgium (ongoing)
MSc (Ecological Marine Management) – Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium (2009)
BSc (Environmental Studies) – Maseno University, Kenya Research Location & Expertise KMFRI Mombasa Research Centre
Department: Oceanography and Hydrography
Specialization: Marine Biology and Ecology
Biomarker Techniques • Stable Isotope & Fatty Acid Analyses • Light Microscopy • Univariate/Multivariate Statistics | Leadership Focus: Providing ecological basis for decision support on nearshore marine habitat functioning, advancing seagrass restoration science, and translating research into regional and national conservation guidelines. Ms. Lillian Nduku Daudi is a marine ecologist with a Master's degree in Ecological Marine Management. She is a Research Scientist at KMFRI with more than twelve years of research experience in seagrass ecology, structure and function, seagrass restoration, seagrass monitoring, and seagrass ecosystem services. Her current research focuses on seagrass habitats and the impact of ecosystem disturbance on ecological functioning at the lower trophic levels (microalgae and epiphytic meiofauna) as well as the higher trophic levels (macroinvertebrates and fish assemblages). Her research aims to provide the ecological basis for decision support on the functioning of nearshore marine habitats. Ms. Daudi has special competences in biomarker techniques (stable isotope and fatty acid analyses) as well as microscopy (light microscopy). Further, she has strong statistical analytical skills in both univariate and multivariate datasets. She also has extensive experience working with cross-functional scientific and research teams. Regional & International Networks Western Indian Ocean Seagrass Network (WIOSN) International Seagrass Experts Network (ISEN) Reviewer – Global Seagrass Report Seagrass Restoration Guidelines (Regional & National) Research Interests & Specializations - Ecosystem ecology – Understanding interactions between biotic communities and their environment
- Ecosystem structure and functioning – Analyzing how seagrass meadows support biodiversity and ecosystem processes
- Ecosystem restoration and monitoring – Developing and implementing effective seagrass rehabilitation techniques
- Ecosystem services – Quantifying the benefits seagrasses provide to coastal communities
- Mapping ecosystems and their services – Spatial characterization of seagrass habitats and their values
- Disturbance impacts on trophic levels – From microalgae and meiofauna to macroinvertebrates and fish
Key Publications & Contributions Seagrass Restoration Leadership – Co-author of the Seagrass Rehabilitation Guide for Kenya (2019) and contributor to Guidelines for Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration in the Western Indian Ocean Region (UNEP-Nairobi Convention/WIOMSA 2020), featuring community-based restoration trials at Diani and Wasini Island, Kenya. Pioneering Biomarker Research – Published research on pigment and fatty acid profiling revealing differences in epiphytic microphytes among tropical Thalassodendron ciliatum meadows (Aquatic Botany 2020), demonstrating advanced analytical capabilities in stable isotope and fatty acid techniques. Nutrient Enrichment Studies – Examined the effect of nutrient enrichment on seagrass-associated meiofauna in Tanzania (Marine Environment Research 2012), contributing to understanding anthropogenic impacts on seagrass ecosystems. Restoration & Colonization Research – Investigated the role of source community for recovery of seagrass-associated meiofauna through field colonization experiments with seagrass mimics in Diani Beach, Kenya (African Journal of Marine Science 2013). Seagrass Status Assessment – Co-authored research on the status of seagrass beds in the coastal county of Lamu, Kenya (Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management 2021), contributing to baseline knowledge for conservation planning. Ms. Lillian Nduku Daudi's research at KMFRI brings exceptional expertise in seagrass ecology, biomarker techniques, and restoration science – strengthening the Institute's capacity to understand ecosystem disturbance impacts, develop evidence-based restoration guidelines, and support decision-making for the sustainable management of Kenya's nearshore marine habitats. | 
