The Kwale County Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has launched a three-day ecological survey at Funzi Island to assess the suitability of proposed sites for establishing an octopus closure area, locally known as Tengefu.
The exercise, commissioned by County Director for Fisheries Mbarak Mapapa, is being conducted in partnership with the Coastal and Marine Resource Development (COMRED) organization, which serves as the lead technical stakeholder in the initiative.
Director Mapapa said the survey will examine coral cover, benthic composition, and seagrass conditions within the proposed sites. The findings will be crucial in determining the ecological viability and potential impacts of establishing a marine closure area in Funzi.
“It is an important exercise that will help determine the impact of putting up a Tengefu in the area. The data gathered will provide a scientific basis for our conservation and fisheries management decisions,” said Mapapa.
The ecological survey will provide baseline information to guide the formation of the proposed Funzi octopus closure area (Tengefu), whose establishment aims to improve marine biodiversity, support sustainable fishing practices, and enhance community livelihoods. Upon completion, the final report will be shared with the Funzi Beach Management Unit (BMU) Committee for review and planning.
Funzi BMU Chairman Vuyaa Kombo Vuyaa expressed appreciation to the County Government of Kwale for supporting the initiative, noting that it marks a major milestone towards sustainable resource management.
“This is a good exercise that will help us improve our resources and boost the livelihoods of our community once we implement the Tengefu idea. I therefore call upon our people to be at the forefront in protecting our marine resources,” he said.
The exercise is also a critical step towards implementing the Mwandamu-Funzi Joint Co-Management Area (JCMA) Plan. The JCMA Plans implemented by the county government of Kwale through the KEMFSED Project, is a collaborative framework designed to promote sustainable fisheries, community-led conservation, and equitable sharing of marine resources among coastal communities in the area.
The frameworks bring together neighboring Beach Management Units (BMUs), the county government, and conservation partners to jointly manage shared marine ecosystems. Under this model, communities actively participate in the planning, protection, and sustainable use their of coastal and marine resources such as fisheries, mangroves, and coral reefs.
By promoting local stewardship and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, JCMAs aim at reducing resource conflicts, protect biodiversity, and strengthen the blue economy through sustainable fisheries and ecotourism ventures.
SUSTAINABLE COASTAL LIVELIHOODS
The ongoing ecological survey in Funzi signifies Kwale County’s growing commitment to sustainable marine resource management. Once established, the Funzi Tengefu is expected to serve as a model for community-driven conservation in the area, protecting vital marine habitats while improving the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
Source : Department of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries – Kwale County Government
