About the Directorate
The Directorate of Oceans & Coastal Systems and Blue Economy Research undertakes fisheries, environmental, ecological, chemical and physical oceanographic research across Kenya’s 600 km coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), generating the knowledge needed for sustainable management of Blue Economy resources.
Established under Section 14 of the Science and Technology Act (Cap 250) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013, the Directorate spans marine and coastal fisheries, oceanography, hydrography, laboratory services and maritime operations — translating ocean science into socio-economic benefit for Kenyans.
Departments & Sections
Four research departments deliver the Directorate’s marine and coastal science mandate.
Marine & Coastal Fisheries Research
Runs monthly Catch Assessment Surveys at 15 landing sites across Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu, estimating stock status and generating Blue Economy data.
Oceanography & Hydrography
Studies water movement and seabed resources, surveying the full Kenyan EEZ aboard RV Mtafiti and assessing climate- and weather-related economic activity.
Laboratory Services
Provides sample analysis, water-quality assessment and chemical oceanography support for all marine research programmes.
Maritime Services
Manages research vessels, safety compliance and field-campaign logistics, coordinating offshore research expeditions.
Research Focus Areas
Core scientific programmes spanning fisheries, oceanography and the Blue Economy.
Fisheries Stock Assessment
Estimating the status of marine and coastal fish stocks to guide sustainable harvesting.
Oceanographic Monitoring
Tracking physical and chemical ocean processes that drive coastal productivity.
Coastal Ecosystem Health
Assessing mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs and the resilience of coastal habitats.
Blue Economy Valuation
Quantifying the value of ocean resources to inform investment and policy.
Maritime Research Services
Vessel-based survey capacity and hydrographic services supporting offshore science.
Vessels, Surveys & Reach
Flagship platforms and programmes behind the Directorate’s national footprint.
RV Mtafiti
Surveyed the entire Kenyan EEZ, identifying high-productivity grounds including the Lamu Banks and North Kenya Banks.
Catch Assessment Surveys
Continuous monthly monitoring across all five coastal counties, feeding national fisheries statistics.
Blue Economy Assessment
Stock and ecosystem assessments underpinning Kenya’s Blue Economy strategy, backed by 30+ research partners.