Kenya’s coastal region, with its 640 km coastline, boasts abundant natural resources, including suitable water temperatures, coastal lagoons, and extensive mangrove ecosystems, ideal for Mariculture. Despite these advantages, marine fish farming remains underdeveloped, with production far below its potential.
A study across five coastal counties was conducted to evaluate the status, challenges, and opportunities in Mariculture. Data was collected from 46 Mariculture groups across five counties using structured questionnaires in the Kobo Collect tool. From the findings, Key species farmed include milkfish (Chanos chanos), mullet (Mugil spp.), salt-tolerant tilapia, mud crab (Scylla serrata), artemia (Artemia franciscana), prawn (Penaeus monodon), and seaweeds primarily small-scale and relies on traditional methods.
From the findings the key challenges include financial constraints, inadequate seed supply, poor-quality inputs, security threats and underutilization of the pond infrastructure while low returns from sales were the least cited issue. Growth is further hindered by the lack of sampling equipment, supportive policies, quality marine-specific feeds, and climate change impacts like rising sea levels and temperature shifts.
Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist to revitalize Mariculture. Increased investment in hatcheries, research, and locally sourced, cost-effective feeds can enhance productivity. Capacity-building initiatives for youth and women could improve skills and create jobs. Supportive policies and partnerships between public and private stakeholders can foster a favorable environment for growth. Innovations such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and climate-resilient practices offer sustainable pathways.
As at 2023, out of the Mariculture production, seaweeds stood at 97.76% while production from shellfish combined with finfish was approximately 2.24%. To scale up from pilot to commercial levels, adopting existing technologies and engaging coastal communities and private partners is crucial. The development of a mariculture suitability map could identify optimal areas for species farming, supporting the Blue Economy agenda.
Addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities can significantly improve livelihoods and drive sustainable development in Kenya’s coastal communities.
Key Words; Chanos chanos, Mugil spp., salt-tolerant tilapia, Scylla serrata, Artemia, Penaeus monodon, sea weeds, Mariculture, Kobo collect tool