Stations

Mombasa Centre

KMFRI Marine & Coastal Research Centre

Overview

About Mombasa Centre

The Mombasa Marine Research Centre is KMFRI's principal coastal research facility, strategically positioned on Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline. The centre conducts comprehensive research into Kenya's marine and coastal ecosystems — including reef systems, mangrove ecology, and nearshore fisheries — and coordinates the country's participation in regional oceanographic programmes. The centre also hosts training activities for marine scientists from Kenya and across the western Indian Ocean region.

At a Glance

Established 1979
Ecosystem Marine & Coastal
Address P.O. Box 81651–80100
Mombasa, Kenya
Coordinates 4°03′S, 39°40′E
Research

Research Focus Areas

Coastal Fisheries Assessment

Stock assessments, catch monitoring, and gear selectivity studies for coastal demersal and pelagic fisheries in Kenya's inshore and offshore zones.

Coral Reef Ecology

Long-term monitoring of coral reef health, bleaching events, and biodiversity along the Kenyan coast using transect surveys and remote sensing.

Mangrove Ecosystem Research

Mapping, biomass assessment, and ecological studies of Kenya's mangrove forests, which cover approximately 61,000 hectares along the coast.

Ocean Climate Monitoring

Sea-surface temperature monitoring, upwelling dynamics, and assessment of climate variability impacts on coastal fisheries productivity.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure & Facilities

  • Marine and coastal research laboratories
  • Research vessels and dhow fleet
  • Oceanographic instruments and CTD profilers
  • Wet laboratories and aquaria
  • Fish holding and live-culture tanks
  • Training and conference rooms