Innovative Elasmobranch Monitoring and Regional Scientific Partnerships for Resilient Blue Economy Management in Kenya

Elasmobranchs are key regulators of marine ecosystem stability, yet Kenya lacks standardized long-term monitoring systems to assess their populations. The Short-tail Nurse Shark Short-tail Nurse Shark, a vulnerable benthic species in the Western Indian Ocean, is a critical indicator of coastal ecosystem health but remains poorly studied in Kenyan waters due to limited ecological data and monitoring capacity.

This study proposes an integrated, non-invasive monitoring framework combining stereo baited remote underwater video systems (stereo-BRUVs), environmental DNA (eDNA), and acoustic telemetry to assess elasmobranch abundance, size structure, and habitat use. These approaches provide standardized, scalable tools for generating robust biodiversity data to support marine conservation and fisheries management.

The work is strengthened through regional scientific partnerships with National Research Foundation – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity and conservation networks including Wildlife Conservation Society, supporting methodological standardization, capacity building, and cross-regional knowledge exchange in the Western Indian Ocean.

By addressing critical monitoring gaps, this study contributes to improved ecosystem-based management of marine resources, enhanced conservation of vulnerable shark species, and more informed fisheries governance. The outcomes support resilient blue economy development in Kenya by linking biodiversity monitoring to sustainable use of marine ecosystems. This approach demonstrates how innovative science and regional partnerships can strengthen marine ecosystem resilience and inform evidence-based conservation strategies.