Mapping Seagrass Ecosystem in Vanga Bay, Kwale County

Seagrasses are vital blue carbon ecosystems providing critical climate mitigation, shoreline protection, and fisheries support. However, these habitats remain poorly documented and threatened by localized pressures across the Western Indian Ocean. Establishing baseline distribution and structural attributes is critical for informing targeted restoration and conservation strategies.

This study establishes an ecological reference baseline for the seagrass ecosystems of Vanga Bay. Specifically, it maps the spatial extent of seagrass cover, assesses baseline canopy density and species composition, and embeds community-led frameworks for long-term monitoring. Research was conducted during a three-week field survey in February 2026 across the Mwarembo-Spaki and Jibweni-Bazo Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) through a collaborative effort by KMFRI, ACES, the Vanga Blue Forest project, and local communities.

Field assessments utilized a dual-method approach combining Remote Underwater Videos (RUVs) for fish biodiversity tracking with high-resolution photoquadrats for quantitative meadow analysis. Despite operational challenges from tidal turbidity that extended data-processing timelines, this integrated methodology secured a scientifically credible dataset with active community participation.

Preliminary analysis will produce high-resolution spatial maps of seagrass extent and a standardized species profile. This approach improves the integration of digital imagery with grassroots co-management. Furthermore, it provides the precise metrics required to unlock results-based financing, including emerging biodiversity credit frameworks like Plan Vivo Nature.