Overview
About Gazi
The Gazi Research Station is situated at Gazi Bay, a sheltered inlet approximately 50 km south of Mombasa renowned for its pristine mangrove forests and high coastal biodiversity. Established in 1991, the station specialises in mangrove ecology, mariculture, and coastal fisheries research. KMFRI Gazi is internationally recognised for its pioneering work on mangrove carbon sequestration — the station has coordinated community-based mangrove conservation programmes that have generated verified voluntary carbon credits, placing Gazi Bay among Africa's most significant blue-carbon project sites.
At a Glance
Established
1991
Ecosystem
Marine & Coastal
Email
gazi@kmfri.go.ke
Address
P.O. Box 535–80400
Ukunda, Kwale County, Kenya
Ukunda, Kwale County, Kenya
Coordinates
4°25′S, 39°30′E
Research
Research Focus Areas
Mangrove Carbon Sequestration
Measurement of above-ground and below-ground carbon stocks in Gazi Bay mangroves, supporting blue-carbon market development and REDD+ initiatives.
Mariculture Research
Culture trials for seaweed, bivalves (oysters, mussels), and sea cucumbers under coastal Kenya conditions.
Coastal Fisheries Ecology
Study of nearshore demersal and reef fish assemblages, mangrove-associated fauna, and ecological services mangroves provide to fish nursery habitats.
Community Resource Management
Participatory research and co-management frameworks that engage local fishing communities in conservation and equitable resource governance.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure & Facilities
- Mangrove research plots and monitoring transects
- Mariculture ponds and nursery units
- Coastal ecology laboratory
- Research vessel
- Community resource and training centre