Senior Fisheries Scientist Social-Ecological Networks & Fisheries Social-Ecological Network Modeling Small-Scale Fisheries • Conservation-Friendly Technologies • Blue Economy Email: embaru@kmfri.go.ke Email: mbaru08@gmail.com Current Roles National Coordinator & Thematic Expert – GMES & Africa (EU-funded Pan-African Program) Senior Fisheries Scientist – KMFRI Academic Qualifications PhD in Marine Science – James Cook University, Australia (2018) MSc in Fisheries Science – Rhodes University, South Africa BSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences – Moi University, Kenya Research Location & Specialization KMFRI Mombasa Department: Fisheries Research Specialization: Social and Ecological Network Modeling Research Interests: GIS & Remote Sensing, Climate Change | Leadership Focus: Advancing sustainable small-scale fisheries through social-ecological network approaches, promoting conservation-friendly fishing technologies, and building resilience of vulnerable coastal communities in the Western Indian Ocean region. Dr. Emmanuel Mbaru works as a Senior Fisheries Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). He holds a PhD in Marine Science (2018) from James Cook University, Australia. His work is primarily focused on new concepts that link social-ecological networks and environmental outcomes. Dr. Mbaru has over 10 years of experience working on marine fisheries with a special emphasis on mitigating adverse ecological impacts of fishing on small-scale fisheries, advancing widespread adoption of alternative and conservation-friendly fishing technologies, and improving capacity and resilience of vulnerable coastal communities affected by social and environmental change, among other broader fisheries management interventions. He is currently the National Coordinator and Thematic Expert of a major EU-funded Pan-African program entitled Global Monitoring of Environment and Security and Africa (GMES & Africa). He also works closely with international NGOs on developing local-level management in nearshore fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Part of his work involves developing alternative fishing options for fishers affected by increased management restrictions, including community-level fisheries closures. Leadership & Coordination Expertise National Coordinator – GMES & Africa (EU Program) Thematic Expert – GMES & Africa International NGO Collaborations – WIO Region Community-Level Fisheries Management Research Specializations & Interests
Key Research Contributions & Publications Fishing Gear Selectivity – Published research on functional traits illuminating selective impacts of different fishing gears on coral reefs (Journal of Applied Ecology 2019), contributing to gear-based management strategies. Social Network Analysis – Identified key players in conservation diffusion using social network analysis to improve information access and knowledge exchange in co-managed coral reef fisheries (Biological Conservation 2017, 2019). Blue Economy & Small-Scale Fisheries – Co-authored seminal paper on securing a just space for small-scale fisheries in the Blue Economy (Frontiers in Marine Science 2019), shaping policy discourse on inclusive ocean governance. FADs & Fisheries Management – Experimental evaluation of influence of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) on community structure and fisheries in coastal Kenya (Aquatic Living Resources 2018), informing FAD management policies. Bycatch Reduction – Pioneered research on escape gaps in African basket traps demonstrating reduced bycatch while increasing body sizes and incomes in heavily fished reef lagoons (Fisheries Research 2013). Wellbeing Indicators – Research on evaluating outcomes of conservation using multidimensional indicators of wellbeing (Conservation Biology), advancing holistic approaches to conservation impact assessment. Dr. Emmanuel Mbaru's leadership as Senior Fisheries Scientist at KMFRI brings cutting-edge social-ecological network expertise, international program coordination experience, and practical fisheries management innovations – strengthening the Institute's capacity to address complex challenges facing small-scale fisheries, promote conservation-friendly technologies, and build resilient coastal communities in Kenya and across the Western Indian Ocean region. |