Overview

About Lamu

The Lamu Research Station is KMFRI's northernmost coastal facility, positioned within the Lamu Archipelago — a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Kenya's northern coast renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Established in 1995, the station conducts research into the archipelago's complex mangrove systems, seagrass beds, and coral reef communities. It monitors artisanal fisheries that serve local communities across Lamu, Pate, and Manda islands, and provides scientific input into the management of the Lamu Marine Conservation Area and the adjacent Kiunga Biosphere Reserve.

At a Glance

Established 1995
Ecosystem Marine & Coastal
Email lamu@kmfri.go.ke
Address P.O. Box 82
Lamu, Kenya
Coordinates 2°16′S, 40°54′E
Research

Research Focus Areas

Mangrove Ecology & Mapping

Extent, biomass, and carbon-stock assessments of the Lamu Archipelago's mangrove forests using field transects and remote-sensing analysis.

Coral Reef Monitoring

Coral cover, species composition, and bleaching-event documentation across reef systems in the Lamu Marine Conservation Area.

Artisanal Fisheries Assessment

Catch composition, CPUE trends, and socio-economic studies for small-scale fisheries serving Lamu island communities.

Seagrass & Blue Carbon

Seagrass bed mapping and blue-carbon sequestration studies in the shallow waters of the Lamu Archipelago.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure & Facilities

  • Coastal field laboratory
  • Research and patrol vessel
  • Mangrove and seagrass monitoring equipment
  • Coral reef survey gear
  • Marine specimen collection and preservation unit