Marine Invasions & Health: A Kilifi Coast Study

This study investigates the socio-ecological disruptions caused by microalgal blooms and the proliferation of invasive species within the marine ecosystems of Kilifi County, Kenya. While ecological monitoring often focuses on it biological metrics, this inquiry centers on the "human dimension" of marine change within the specific artisanal fishing hubs of Mayungu, Uyombo, and Mambrui.

Using a mixed-methods approach involving 340 participants - primarily drawn from the Mayungu and Uyombo Beach Management Units (BMUs) - the research assesses the intersection of environmental degradation and community well-being. Data indicates that 68% of small-scale fishers in these sites reported a displacement of high-value indigenous species by invasive flora and fauna, leading to significant economic precarity. Furthermore, a qualitative health assessment revealed that 42% of households in Mambrui and Shella reported a rise in dermatological and respiratory complaints during peak seasonal microalgal blooms, suggesting a direct public health consequence of coastal eutrophication.

The research highlights how these "silent invasions" disrupt traditional livelihoods and cultural ties to the sea. By documenting the adaptive strategies of these communities, the study proposes a collaborative surveillance framework that integrates indigenous ecological knowledge with formal marine science. The findings are intended to assist the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and regional policy-makers in developing inclusive management strategies that safeguard both the biodiversity and the social fabric of Kenya’s Blue Economy.