Senior Research Scientist Marine Fisheries Research Tuna & Small-Scale Fisheries Stock Assessment • Fish Population Dynamics • Tuna Biology • Lobster • Octopus Email: aabubakar@kmfri.go.ke Years of Experience 2012–Present (15 Years at KMFRI) Research Interests Tuna Biology; Fish Population Dynamics; Fish Stock Assessment; Small-scale Tuna fishery; Lobster fishery; Beach Seine fishery; Octopus fishery | Research Focus: Advancing sustainable management of marine fisheries through stock assessment, population dynamics studies, and ecosystem-based approaches to support Kenya's Blue Economy and fisheries conservation. Athman is Senior Research Scientist at KMFRI with more than fifteen years of experience in marine fisheries research, including tuna fisheries, lobster fisheries, fisheries catch assessment surveys, octopus fisheries, longline and beach seine fisheries. He has served in KMFRI's Observer Programme taskforces, has led and co-led several projects as both Principal Investigator and Co-investigator. He is involved in empowering the Faza Community through Fish value addition trainings in partnership with The Faza Youth Action Group (FYAG). Mr Athman has published papers in scientific peer reviewed journals, technical reports, and book chapters. Research & Administrative Responsibility - ▹ Lead and conduct fisheries stock assessment surveys for tuna, lobster, octopus, and beach seine fisheries
- ▹ Serve as Principal Investigator and Co-investigator on marine fisheries research projects
- ▹ Contribute to KMFRI's Observer Programme and related taskforces
- ▹ Empower coastal communities through fish value addition trainings in partnership with Faza Youth Action Group (FYAG)
- ▹ Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and book chapters
Research Interest / Areas of Expertise - ▹ Tuna Biology
- ▹ Fish Population Dynamics
- ▹ Fish Stock Assessment
- ▹ Small-scale Tuna fishery
- ▹ Lobster fishery
- ▹ Beach Seine fishery
- ▹ Octopus fishery
Academic Qualifications - ▹ MSc in Fisheries – Pwani University, Kenya (2018)
- ▹ BSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences – Moi University, Kenya (2009)
Professional Membership - ▹ Member – Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)
Selected Publications Mzingirwa, F.A., Okemwa, G.M., Farthing, M.W., Bova, C.S., Halafo, J.S., Mshana, J.G., Abubakar, A.A., Ishmael, N., and Sauer, W.H.H. (2025). Size Structure and Reproductive Biology of Skipjack Tuna Katsuwonus Pelamis and Kawakawa Euthynnus Affinis in the Western Indian Ocean. African Journal of Marine Science 47 (1): 77–90. doi:10.2989/1814232X.2024.2425717Abubakar, A. A., Okemwa, G. M. and Kimani, E. N. (2023). Comparative assessment of the impacts of artisanal trolling and industrial longlining on yellowfin tuna exploited off the Kenyan coast. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, 21(2), pp. 131–140. doi: 10.4314/wiojms.v21i2.11 Okemwa, G.M., Abubakar, A.A., Mzingirwa, F., Kimani, E.N., Kamau, J.N., Njiru, J.M. and Sauer, W. (2023). Characterizing gear-based exploitation patterns of artisanal tuna fisheries in the western Indian Ocean: a snapshot from Kenya. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 61, p.102877. Okemwa, G.M., Maina, G.W., Kimani, E.N., Abubakar, A.A., Silas, M.O., Mwakosya, C., Everett, B., Mutombene, R.J., Mwangata, J., Yussuf, H. and Osore, W. (2025). Perspectives on beach seine fishing in the Western Indian Ocean: A review. Marine Policy, 182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106880Okemwa, G.M., Abubakar, A.A., Fondo, E., Omukoto, J., Orembo, B., Kimani, E., Nyamora, J., Mzingirwa, F., Wambiji, N., Ishmael, N. (2023). Rapid assessment of the Indian mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta fishery in Kenya's coastal waters. A Scientific Journal of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute pp 29. https://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/ocrd/390711.pdf#page=29 Links |
