The Status of Mariculture Production, Challenges and future prospects. A case study in Mombasa and Lamu counties

Mariculture, the cultivation of marine organisms in coastal environments, has globally become an important approach to improving food security, coastal livelihoods, and supporting a sustainable blue economy. Despite Kenya’s healthy and supportive marine ecosystems along an approximately 640 km coastline on its Western Indian Ocean coastline, mariculture production remains relatively low compared with its potential. Secondary data from official government reports and recent scientific documented literature indicate that mariculture production remains modest, reaching about 112 metric tons in 2023. This paper reviews the present state of mariculture in Kenya, including cultured species, production trends, socio-economic contributions, and major challenges hindering the sector’s growth. Dominant cultured species include milkfish (Chanos chanos), mullets (Mugil spp.), seaweeds in particular Eucheuma spp., mud crabs (Scylla serrata), and marine prawns (Penaeus spp.). Seaweed farming accounts for the majority of production, while finfish and shellfish culture remains limited. Major constraints include limited hatchery infrastructure, inadequate technical knowledge, weak market linkages, and climate-related environmental impacts. However, increased investment in hatcheries, adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), improved policies, and greater community involvement present significant opportunities for expansion especially into regenerative aquaculture. Strengthening research, institutional support, and value chains will be essential for realizing the full potential of mariculture practices in Kenya. (200 words)