Phase III – The marine ornamental and curio trades in the Western Indian Ocean – benefit or threat?

The project aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the marine ornamental and curio trades in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, focusing on identifying both the benefits and threats these trades pose to local ecosystems and communities. Collaboratively conducted by the Marine Conservation Society UK, the Institute of Marine Sciences, and the  Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the initiative gathered critical data on the structure and operational details of fisheries and trade across multiple countries in the region.

Through a combination of desk research and on-the-ground discussions with local and central government agencies, communities, and stakeholders from the fisheries and trade sectors, the project successfully compiled an extensive overview of existing management and regulatory mechanisms. It also investigated the role of aquaculture as a potential mitigation strategy. A significant outcome of the project was the development of a species database, cataloging the various marine species collected for ornamental and curio trades in each country.

The project meticulously assessed the ecological and socio-economic benefits and threats of these trades, primarily focusing on Kenya and Tanzania. Using a suite of biological, ecological, social, management, and economic criteria, the research compared the scale and scope of collection and trade within these countries. Primary data collection methods, including fish census surveys, catch trends analysis, and questionnaire surveys, enriched the findings, highlighting local perceptions surrounding collection practices, potentially at-risk species, fisheries regulations, and resource use conflicts.

By providing these insights and recommendations, the project sought to promote sustainable practices within the marine ornamental and curio trades, ultimately enhancing economic and social benefits for local communities while mitigating ecological risks. The conclusions drawn from this project serve as a vital resource for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders aiming to balance economic interests with environmental stewardship in the Western Indian Ocean region.