A fisherman from Wasini, Kenya, struggled to catch two kilograms of fish per day, barely enough to feed his six children. However, following the launch of seagrass restoration efforts, his catch has surged to 60 kilograms in a single day, significantly increasing his income and attracting buyers from Mombasa, over 100 kilometers away.
Overfishing and destructive fishing practices, such as trawling, have long contributed to the degradation of seagrass beds in the region. Ahmed Mohammed Abubakar, a member of the Beach Management Unit (BMU) of Wasini, explains that these harmful practices nearly wiped out the seagrass. Now, the BMU is committed to educating the community about the dangers of aggressive fishing methods: "We decided to combat these practices by educating and raising awareness in the community."
The BMU monitors the growth of seagrass every two weeks, noting its development and removing algae or debris that could hinder its growth. They also protect the seagrass from natural threats, such as sea urchins, as well as pollution, coastal urbanization, and rising sea levels.
The Wasini Seagrass Restoration Initiative began in 2014 with the support of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), followed by additional resources from the Coastal Development Authority (CDA) in 2019. To date, the BMU has rehabilitated 2.5 hectares of seagrass beds, planting over 10,000 seagrass seedlings.
Geoffrey Rono, director of research and strategic planning at the CDA, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives for the local community: "When we address the degradation and restoration of ecosystems, we are actually supporting the community. Whether it’s seagrass, mangroves, or coral reefs, these efforts directly contribute to the well-being of local populations."
However, a new port project in Shimoni, led by the Kenya Ports Authority in collaboration with the local government, threatens the recent restoration progress. Dredging activities necessary for the port's construction risk increasing sedimentation, which could suffocate the seagrass beds. The introduction of larger vessels may further exacerbate this situation and damage the seagrass, along with the underwater noise pollution that could disrupt marine life. Mohammed Kassim, a BMU member, expresses concern: "We have invested over 200 million Kenyan shillings (about 1.5 million dollars) in restoration. The port could compromise our efforts with sedimentation from dredging and ship traffic."
Seagrass beds play a vital role in maintaining marine biodiversity. They provide breeding grounds for fish, serve as a food source for numerous species, and contribute to climate regulation by capturing carbon. Lilian Daudi, a lead researcher in seagrass ecology at KMFRI, explains: "Seagrass beds provide nursery habitats for young fish and breeding areas for various species. They also help regulate the climate by storing carbon and producing oxygen, essential for aquatic life."
Often called the "unsung heroes" of the oceans, these meadows span over 300,000 square kilometers across 159 countries. However, they remain among the least protected coastal ecosystems despite their indispensable role in ocean health and food security for coastal communities.
The blue economy concept promotes sustainable use of marine resources, balancing the protection of ocean ecosystems with economic prosperity and human well-being. The World Bank defines this approach as optimizing ocean resources for economic and environmental benefits. In this vision, conservation and restoration efforts for seagrass, mangroves, and coral reefs play a crucial role in the future of oceans and coastal populations.
By investing in the restoration of marine ecosystems, organizations like the BMU and their research and development partners are implementing a blue economy strategy essential for the resilience and sustainable development of coastal communities.