Bigeyo Kuboja
Who I am
Born in Kigoma and raised in Tanga and Morogoro, Tanzania, I am a dedicated researcher at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute and have made a significant contribution since 2005. I hold an MSc in marine environment and ecology from Vrije Universiteit Brussel and a BSc in marine biology from the University of Dar es Salaam. I specialise in fisheries ecology, conservation biology and marine resource management.
During my career I have gained notable international experience, for example as a visiting researcher at the China Scientific Authority for CITES and at the Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology in Germany. I have also been a Duke Global Fellow in Marine Conservation and Policy. My work focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources, including sharks and rays, under CITES regulations.
Actively involved in developing national conservation strategies, I serve as a coordinator for CITES and as a member of the national committee for shark and ray conservation. My extensive participation in workshops includes contributions to global initiatives on aquatic species’ conservation and non-detriment findings. I am an expert in project management, scientific writing and fisheries data analysis, and am committed to advancing marine science and resource management in Tanzania and beyond.
Where I work
The project is being conducted along Tanzania’s extensive coastline, from Tanga in the north, bordering Kenya, to Mtwara in the south, adjacent to Mozambique. This diverse area encompasses significant marine environments, including the Dar es Salaam Seascape (Zanzibar Channel), the Kilwa Seascape, the Rufiji Delta and Tanga (Pemba Channel). These coastal ecosystems, characterised by coral reefs, sea-grass beds, mangroves and intertidal zones, are vital habitats for the rhino ray species being studied. They face intense pressure from multiple-gear coastal fisheries, which makes them susceptible to overfishing and habitat degradation. The project’s focus on these habitats addresses conservation challenges and supports the sustainable management of these critical marine areas. In addition, due to the migratory nature of some species, the project will extend its efforts into Kenya and Mozambique, which are part of the species’ broader distribution and are known for illegal trade routes.
What I do
Field work for the rhino rays conservation project along Tanzania’s coastline from Tanga to Mtwara involves data collection, community engagement and environmental education. Monitors and local fishers collaborate to record catch–effort data, including fishing locations, species identification and biological measurements of wedgefish and guitarfish. Regular interactions with artisanal fishers foster peer-to-peer learning, improving their data collection and species identification skills. Evenings are often spent downloading and processing data to ensure accurate and timely recording. The project emphasises the collection of spatial and temporal data to map fishing grounds and identify critical habitats. This involves deploying GPS devices with fishers to log precise fishing locations and gather geo-referenced catch data. Biological sampling includes measuring the length, weight and sex of specimens and collecting genetic samples for future analysis. Regular training workshops are conducted so that local fishers become adept at sustainable practices, data recording and species identification and to foster active involvement in conservation initiatives. Engagement with local communities is vital, as are activities such as public awareness campaigns, environmental education in schools and the conducting of workshops. These efforts aim to raise awareness about the importance of conserving rhino ray species and their habitats, promote sustainable fishing practices and build local capacity for long-term conservation success.