Communities taking care in Watamu and Mida Creek
No fewer than 10 shark and ray species have been recorded in aerial surveys in Watamu Marine National Park. Of these, three are Endangered (the whale shark, sharp-nose stingray and honeycomb stingray), two are Vulnerable (blacktip reef shark and whitetip reef shark) and the halavi guitarfish is Critically Endangered. As one of East Africa’s oldest marine protected areas (MPAs), Watamu Marine National Park shelters many species and habitats. However, with increasing pressure on the park from neighbouring communities, Peter is working to strengthen partnerships, empower local communities and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the sustainable management of these vital marine species.
Peter Musila
I was born and raised in Machakos, a semi-arid rural area in central Kenya that doesn’t have much biodiversity. However, my fascination with wildlife and love for animals started at a young age, when I was always catching small reptiles like geckos and chameleons to try to study their interesting behaviour. I also really enjoyed swimming in the shallow streams, and it was my love for being underwater that led me to exploring the oceans. I first came to the coast for my undergraduate degree in marine biology and there got an amazing opportunity to do my first...
Protecting sharks, rays and guitarfish from overfishing through community engagement in conservation activities Watamu, Kenya
This project seeks to foster sustainable practices, enhance scientific understanding and build community stewardship to ensure the flourishing of 10 elasmobranch species in Watamu Marine National Park and Mida Creek, Kenya.
Communities living around Watamu and Mida Creek depend on fishing for their livelihoods. Habitats suffer from the demand for marine resources. Ten elasmobranchs, including the Critically Endangered halavi guitarfish, make this area their home, some as breeding and nursery areas. We recognise the intrinsic value of these species and their need to flourish as important, and independent of any value to humanity. By collaborating with local stakeholders, we will contribute to species’ conservation, ecosystem health and socio-economic resilience.
Overfishing and habitat loss are major threats to elasmobranch species. Fishermen and local communities in Kenya have seldom been involved in protecting marine species and habitats. Watamu Marine National Park is one of East Africa’s oldest marine protected areas, but faces increasing pressure on its resources from the surrounding communities. Over the years Watamu stakeholders, led by the government agency Kenya Wildlife Service, local NGOs and community groups, have joined hands in implementing the marine protected area’s strategic management plan, to which A Rocha made a significant contribution. This project will expand the collaborative framework between marine scientists, conservation practitioners and managers and community members to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in protecting shark and ray species and their habitats.
Pilot surveys by A Rocha Kenya indicate that at least 10 elasmobranch species have been observed in the Watamu Marine National Park, including three Endangered species (whale shark, sharp-nose stingray and honeycomb stingray), two Vulnerable species (black-tip and white-tip reef sharks) and the Critically Endangered halavi guitarfish. Little is known about the elasmobranch population in the adjacent Mida Creek. Watamu Marine National Park has successfully protected species and habitats, but has often not been successful at involving local communities in the ensuing benefits. Our project aims to strengthen partnerships, empower local communities and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the sustainable management of these vital marine species.
- To increase knowledge and encourage a change of attitude among eight fishing groups about the importance of elasmobranch species.
- To increase the effectiveness of Watamu Marine National Park and the commitment to conservation success among fishermen and key stakeholders by strengthening partnerships.
- To contribute to the understanding of the richness, abundance and ecological requirements of elasmobranch species within the Watamu Marine National Park and adjacent Mida Creek.