Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)

Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) The Association has about 1000 individual members as well as about 50 institutional members from within and outside the region. O.

WIOMSA is dedicated to promoting the educational, scientific & technological development of all aspects of marine sciences throughout the Western Indian Ocean with a view toward sustaining the use and conservation of its marine resources. Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) is a regional professional, non-governmental, non-profit, membership organization, registered in Zanzib

ar, Tanzania. The organization is dedicated to promoting the educational, scientific and technological development of all aspects of marine sciences throughout the region of Western Indian Ocean (Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion(France)), with a view toward sustaining the use and conservation of its marine resources. The organization's inter-disciplinary membership consists of marine scientists, coastal practitioners, and institutions involved in the advancement of marine science research and development. The Association: (1) provides a forum for communication and exchange of information amongst it members that promotes and fosters inter-institutional linkages within and beyond the region; (2) supports marine research by offering research grants; (3) implements programs to build the capacity of marine scientists and coastal management practitioners; and (4) works to promote policy dialogue on key topics by organizing meetings and seminars on the findings and policy implications of science. WIOMSA promotes marine science research through the award of research grants under the Marine Science for Management (MASMA) and the Marine Research Grant (MARG) programmes. MASMA is a competitive research grant scheme designed to support research activities in the region as well as organisation of training courses/workshop. In addition to the on-going capacity building program in ICM and MPA, WIOMSA has organized/hosted a number of regional workshops and meetings that provided the linkage between science and management. Recently, WIOMSA also signed Memorandum of Understanding with UNEP as the secretariat to the Nairobi Convention, whereby WIOMSA will be responsible for providing research, technical, managerial and advisory support to UNEP as requested. WIOMSA in collaboration with UNEP is hosting a regional Group of Experts on Marine Protected Areas for the Eastern African region (GEMPA). GEMPA has been established with the aim of building a constituency for marine protected areas in the region and to provide a forum for linkages and dialogue between MPA practitioners and experts, and between government and non-government organizations. WIOMSA Contact

Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)
Mizingani Street, House No. 13644/10
P. Box 3298, Zanzibar,
United Republic of Tanzania,

Tel: + 255 24 2233472/2234597
Fax: + 255 24 2233852

E-mail: [email protected]

Pre-WIOMSA Symposium Kick-off: COES-WIOThe first Coastal Ocean Environment School Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO) is und...
26/09/2025

Pre-WIOMSA Symposium Kick-off: COES-WIO

The first Coastal Ocean Environment School Western Indian Ocean (COES-WIO) is underway in Mombasa, Kenya from 21st–27th September 2025.

Jointly organised by the Technical University of Mombasa, Michigan State University, Pwani University, KMFRI, WIOMSA, WIO-ECSN, ECOPs Africa, and the Ocean Teachers Academy, this inaugural program gathers 75 participants from 17 countries, including all 10 WIO nations.

COES-WIO is designed to enhance practical skills, foster connections with experts, and strengthen networks that will support sustained growth and international collaboration in ocean sciences.

26/09/2025

🌊We are pleased to contribute to , bringing over two decades of experience working at the intersection of marine science, society and sustainability. Our engagement at this year’s symposium spans keynote addresses, thematic sessions and research presentations—all focused on bridging knowledge and action in coral reefs, fisheries and marine policy.

📆Take a glance at our event line-up in the flyer below, and dive into details at https://cordioea.net/wiomsa-13/

With just three days to go, we are excited to introduce our esteemed Moderator, Miranda Naiman! As the visionary Found...
25/09/2025

With just three days to go, we are excited to introduce our esteemed Moderator, Miranda Naiman! As the visionary Founder and Board Chair of Empower Limited, Miranda is truly an “Unstoppable Force for Good”.

Her expertise in empowering leaders, youth, and organizations is transforming potential into innovation across Africa. We can’t wait for you to meet her.



Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Nairobi Convention UN Ocean Decade IOC Sub Commission for Africa and Adjacent Island States UNESCO Ocean

25/09/2025

They are nurseries for fish, guardians of coastlines, and powerful carbon sinks. Yet across the East African shoreline, mangroves are under pressure, cut faster than they can regrow and strained by a changing climate.

At we’re uniting science, communities, and action for mangroves. Join our special session on Co-designing Effective Methodologies in Mangrove Restoration and Conservation to share lessons, align on best practices and co-develop bold solutions.

3rd October 2025 | 9:00am – 12:30pm EAT
📍 Pelican, Pride Inn Flamingo

🔗 Register here: https://shorturl.at/nLL4E

24/09/2025

On Friday 3 October 2025, leading experts, policymakers, and researchers will gather at the 13th Symposium at Pride Inn Paradise, Mombasa for a deep dive into the BBNJ Agreement and its significance for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO).

🌅 Morning Session: Understanding the BBNJ Agreement & aligning with WIO priorities.
🌇 Afternoon Session: The science we need for BBNJ implementation.

This hybrid event will:
- Clarify provisions of the BBNJ Agreement and their regional relevance
- Identify needs for effective implementation (capacity-building, technology transfer)
- Discuss science, data platforms, and conservation strategies

🤝 This session will be co-convened by: High Seas Alliance, Institute for Security Studies (ISS), Southern Africa-ESARO, Nairobi Convention, , Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust -SeyCCAT

More details 👇

A new special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) is out!The "Soft sediment, rich life:...
24/09/2025

A new special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) is out!

The "Soft sediment, rich life: Demersal biodiversity in the WIO," issue delves into the fascinating ecosystems of the soft-sediment seabeds. Read through the insightful research from the WIOMSA MASMA funded WIO-Benth Project, spanning a range of key topics from demersal communities in Madagascar, to the impact of trawling in South Africa.

This publication is based on data collected through the scientific surveys with the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen as part of the collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on behalf of the EAF-Nansen Programme and Mozambique, Madagascar and South Africa.

Read more about the special issue here: https://blog.wiomsa.net/2025/09/24/wiojms-special-issue-soft-sediment-rich-life-demersal-biodiversity-in-the-wio

24/09/2025

📣 Join us at WIOMSA 2025!

SST, in partnership with IslandPlas, IUCN is hosting a Special Session during the upcoming Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Science Symposium: “Tangible Actions to Tackle Pollution.”

📅 2 October 2025
🕑 14:00 – 17:00 (EAT)
📍 Arabuko 1

Don’t miss this chance to connect, share solutions, and explore real, practical steps to address pollution across the Western Indian Ocean region.

👉 Secure your spot by registering here: https://forms.gle/rAxch7Sx46wC4fLb6

The LaSMMI Initiative: Championing Seagrass Mapping in the WIOBeneath the waves of the Western Indian Ocean lie lush sea...
23/09/2025

The LaSMMI Initiative: Championing Seagrass Mapping in the WIO

Beneath the waves of the Western Indian Ocean lie lush seagrass meadows, critical for biodiversity, climate action, and coastal communities. The Large-Scale Seagrass Mapping and Management Initiative (LaSMMI), funded by the The Pew Charitable Trusts and spearheaded by the University of Southampton, WIOMSA, and partner institutions is mapping these undervalued ecosystems to drive their conservation and inclusion in climate policy across Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar.

Learn more about this groundbreaking work here: https://blog.wiomsa.net/2025/09/23/mapping-seagrass-for-people-nature-and-climate/

Photo credit: Seychelles Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment project

WIOMSA is delighted to announce Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Repu...
22/09/2025

WIOMSA is delighted to announce Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Republic of Kenya, as a keynote speaker at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium.

Bringing over 30 years of experience in research, higher education, and public service, including leadership roles at the IAEA and NACOSTI, Prof. Abdulrazak will share his vision for Africa’s scientific future, emphasizing STEM education, research platforms, and strong science-policy linkages as foundations for a sustainable blue economy.

His keynote address, "The Role of Science and Innovation in Building a Thriving and Inclusive Blue Economy for Africa," will explore how science and technology can unlock diverse opportunities in sectors like fisheries, marine renewable energy, and eco-tourism, highlighting the critical science-policy interface.

Read more about Prof. Abdulrazak’s upcoming keynote here: https://symposium.wiomsa.org/personnel/prof-shaukat-abdulrazak/

UN Ocean Decade Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Nairobi Convention IOC Sub Commission for Africa and Adjacent Island States UNESCO Ocean

20/09/2025

Excited for the upcoming 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium where we'll be co-designing of a Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Alliance.

LMMAs have emerged as one of the most promising models of community-led conservation in the WIO, placing communities at the forefront. While the approach is widely recognized, its adoption remains uneven across the region. This session will present outcomes from national consultations, introduce the Alliance’s proposed structure and workplan, and invite stakeholders to co-design its next steps.

📅 2nd October 2025
🕰️ 2pm to 5:30pm EAT
📍 WIOMSA Symposium, Manta Ray Room, Mombasa



💙: Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada IUCN ESARO Mission inclusion GROOTS Kenya Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network - WIOMPAN Réseau Mihari - Mihari Network CORDIO East Africa

20/09/2025

From biodiversity and livelihoods to climate action, tourism, and coastal protection, it is important to demonstrate how science, technology, and policy can work together to maximize the benefits of our marine ecosystems.

Join us at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium for the special session:

“Blue Values: Unlocking the Full Potential of Marine Ecosystem Services.”

📅 2:00 – 5:30 PM (GMT+3) | October 3, 2025
📍 Shimba Room, Pride Inn Paradise Resort

Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development - RCMRD | CIFOR-ICRAF | Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute | GRID-Arendal | Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)



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