We are excited to announce the launch of the Gear Exchange program in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve on 4th June 2023, after two years of consultative meetings, workshops, benchmarking activities, research and monitoring and capacity buildling. This program is designed to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect the marine environment.
The Kiunga Marine National Reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and various species of fish. However, overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices have led to a decline in fish populations and threatened the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
To address these issues, the Gear Exchange program has been established to encourage fishermen in the area to adopt sustainable fishing practices. The program works by allowing fishermen to exchange their old, unsustainable beach sein gear for new, environmentally-friendly gear. This includes items such as fish traps, hooks and lines, and gillnets that are designed to minimize bycatch and reduce harm to non-target species such as sea turtles and dugongs.
In addition to providing new gear, the program also includes training and education sessions for fishermen on sustainable fishing practices. This includes information on how to properly use the new gear, as well as tips on responsible fishing techniques and marine conservation. As well launching a scholarship program targeting fishing communities’ families to a tune of 7.5million Kenya shillings.
The Gear Exchange program is a collaborative effort between the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kiunga Community Wildlife Association (KICOWA) we have been at the forefront of promoting sustainable fishing practices by conducting controls, monitoring and conservation education and awareness. Together with the nature conservancy (TNC), North Rangeland Trust (NRT), Fauna and Flora International (FFI), Lamu county Government and Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) who have been instrumental in conducting research on fisheries in Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
The management of Kiunga Marine National Reserve strives to promote responsible fishing practices that will ensure the sustainability of its marine resources.