Blog

28
Nov

Fully funded 2-year scholarships for the Erasmus Mundus Coastal Hazards MSc

The applications for the 3rd edition of the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme on Coastal Hazards, Risks, Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation are now open. This is a unique 2-year MSc programme, where students will have the opportunity to study in three different universities in Europe, with the first semester in Spain at University of Cantabria, the second...
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23
Nov

Collaboration for MOU Development: Creating the Kenya-Tanzania Transboundary Marine Conservation Area

A proposed transboundary marine conservation area (TBCA) between Kenya and Tanzania is currently under development for the enhancement of coastal biodiversity conservation between the two countries. An assembly held from 20th to 21st November in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, brought together more than 20 delegates for the co-design of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for...
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22
Nov

A Year of Milestones and Impact- The WIOMSA 2022 Annual Report is out!

WIOMSA’s 2022 Annual report captures the scope of impact that the Association had in 2022. The publication features the significant strides WIOMSA made in the past year in enhancing the excellence and quality of regional ocean science; advancing science and policy; strengthening capacities for ocean governance; and sharing the passion for science across audiences. Citing...
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17
Nov

Post-Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity: Examining kelp bed standing-stock blue carbon potential

An opportunity exists for a Postdoctoral for 2024_25 within the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme Project entitled “Multidisciplinary study of mesophotic sea-forest (Ecklonia radiata) in iSimangaliso MPA: its biodiversity, climate mitigation and socio-ecological resilience value”. This project is led by Nelson Mandela University and is closely associated with the WILDTRUST’s Blue Action Project entitled “Building socio-ecological...
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13
Nov

Building Capacity In Marine Spatial Planning In the WIO

The 4th phase of the Institutional Strengthening for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP)- an advanced international training programme on planning for a sustainable blue future in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO)- is underway in Zanzibar. Previous phases of the programme were held in Sweden in February (phase 1); on an online platform (phase 2); and in...
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10
Nov

Shaping the Path Ahead For Ocean Governance at the Marine Regions Forum

Three days of the engaging Marine Regions Forum culminated in noteworthy dialogues on ocean governance between experts in science, policy, industry, and ocean conservation from around the world. Discussions on inclusivity and innovation set the stage for a day dedicated to idea exchanges on implementation pathways for strengthened ocean governance at regional and national scales....
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09
Nov

30 Years of WIOMSA: Taking Stock of 30 Years of Swedish Government Support to WIOMSA

WIOMSA is celebrating 30 years since its founding in 1993! To commemorate this achievement, we have produced a booklet 30 Years of WIOMSA, to reflect on the Swedish Government’s three decades of support for the advancement of marine science in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. The booklet focuses on the origins of WIOMSA; highlighting...
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08
Nov

Inclusivity and Innovation In Ocean Governance Take Center Stage at the Marine Regions Forum

On the second day of the Marine Regions Forum, stakeholders gathered to explore innovative ways to strengthen regional governance.  In-depth discussions on co-designing sustainable ocean management and articulating marine spatial planning initiatives for co-creation of regional visions were the focus of workshop sessions centred on fostering a sustainable blue economy. The sessions focused on harnessing...
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07
Nov

An Exciting Start to the 2023 Marine Regions Forum

The 2023 edition of the Marine Regions Forum officially launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  Running from 7th to 9th November 2023, the forum serves as a unique platform drawing together multiple stakeholders to deliberate on navigating ocean sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and beyond. Co-hosted by Tanzania and Seychelles, together with the...
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07
Nov

An Exciting Start to the 2023 Marine Regions Forum

The 2023 edition of the Marine Regions Forum officially launched in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Running from 7th to 9th November 2023, the forum serves as a unique platform drawing together multiple stakeholders to deliberate on navigating ocean sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and beyond. Co-hosted by Tanzania and Seychelles, together with the...
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03
Nov

Job Opening: Fisheries Analyst at Global Fishing Watch

Fisheries Analyst – Applied Research (Small Scale Fisheries) Global Fishing Watch, an international, non-profit organisation committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency is looking for a fisheries analyst- applied research (small scale fisheries). The Fisheries Analyst will play a key role in ensuring Global Fishing Watch delivers on its impact driven goals to better...
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02
Nov

WIOMPAN Learning Exchange Workshop Underway in Dar es Salaam!

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Network (WIOMPAN) Learning Workshop hosted by the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, Tanzania kicked off on 1st November and will run till 4th November in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  Drawing together 80 participants and partners,  marine protected area (MPA) directors, managers and rangers from the Western Indian Ocean...
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31
Oct

New episode of Ocean InSight Podcast released

Episode 2, Season 3: The value of local and indigenous knowledge for better management of the ocean  Local knowledge, indigenous knowledge, and co-design – ever wondered what that’s all about? Is local knowledge really as important as everyone seems to think, and might co-design even change the way we think about ocean governance? How can...
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30
Oct

PhD Opportunity- From wings to fins: ecological connectivity between seabirds, mangroves and coral reefs

Lancaster University is pleased to announce a fully funded PhD opportunity to work on ecological connectivity between seabirds, mangroves and coral reefs at Aldabra Atoll world heritage site in Seychelles. This PhD is open to international applicants, with funding for fees, living stipend, and research funds. The project will be based at Lancaster University, UK, and...
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16
Oct

UCSC Coastal Science and Policy Graduate Program is open for applications

The Coastal Science and Policy Program at the University of California Santa Cruz seeks applications from rising leaders in coastal sustainability! The application deadline is Thursday, December 20, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time. This solutions-focused program has a unique practical focus, highly diverse student cohorts, and interdisciplinary faculty and courses to educate our students to pursue...
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16
Oct

Experts caution that 30×30 must not be rushed and compromise trust of small-scale fishers

By Maya Pfaff, Annika Mackensen, Carina Martens, Deidre de Vos and Arthur Tuda On 5th October 2023, WIOMSA and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) hosted a webinar to highlight the challenges and opportunities related to the current race for “30×30”. The event brought together representatives of governments and conservation NGOs with small-scale fishers...
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13
Oct

WIOMSA at 25: Celebrating the past, shaping the future.

WIOMSA celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019.  25 Years of WIOMSA: celebrating the past, shaping the future features key figures who played an important role in the creation and development of WIOMSA. These founding members reflect on the progress of WIOMSA, the difference the Association  has made in its 25 years and plans for the...
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13
Oct

Women in Marine Science

WiMS is proud to launch the video “Women in Marine Science” which showcases the inspiring women in the WIOMSA community sharing their thoughts on marine science careers for women  the Western Indian Ocean region. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
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09
Oct

Call for Proposals: Coastal Resilience of the South-West Indian Ocean

As part of the “Coastal Ecosystems Resilience of populations and coastal ecosystems in the South-West Indian Ocean” (RECOS) project, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is launching a regional call for proposals to support demonstrative field actions aimed at fostering the restoration, the management and the sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems. This initiative is...
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09
Oct

Save the Date: Seychelles Coastal and Marine Symposium

A gathering of environment actors to present their findings/research on the coastal and marine environment in Seychelles. The symposium will include keynote speakers, posters, and scientific talks, and public exhibitions and lectures to build education and awareness of students and the general public. Hosted by the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI-UniSey) and the...
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Miji Bora: Mombasa City on the pathway to SMART and Sustainable City Status

A meeting of minds: Building relationships and sharing ideas will potentially put the coastal city of Mombasa onto a smart and sustainable pathway and strengthen its ability to withstand the impacts of climate change.   Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and home to 1.2 million people. Its location on the south coast of Kenya...
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08
Oct

Voices of MARG Grantees – Microplastics are prevalent along the coast of Tanzania

The problem of microplastics – tiny plastic fragments and fibres – polluting marine and coastal ecosystems has attracted a lot of attention around the world. Now a WIOMSA-funded study has demonstrated that the pollutants are present in sediments and marine organisms in Tanzania. View the video here!  The study “Microplastics in beach sediments and cockles...
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08
Oct

Scientists warn that it’s make-or-break time for Africa’s oceans

Leading marine researchers and scientists caution that it’s make-or-break for Africa’s governments to enact and enforce ocean policies. Marine experts from around the world met in Gqeberha, South Africa, for a week in October for a symposium on the importance of cutting-edge science and innovation in underpinning marine conservation policy decisions in Africa. Africa’s foremost...
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06
Oct

The WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

We are pleased to share with you the latest edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief which will keep you informed about WIOMSA’s activities for the July- September 2023 quarter. Together with the Blue Nature Alliance, we organized a training on sustainable marine protected area (MPA) financing that we hope will spur MPAs in the Western Indian...
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03
Oct

Environmental Research Conference and peer review workshop

Prof Ursula Scharler from the University of Kwazulu Natal has teamed up with IOP publishing to organise a peer review excellence workshop on 16th October as part of the 2023 Environmental Research conference. The workshop will focus on key aspects of peer review in environmental research, including: Peer review fundamentals Models of peer review How to become...
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29
Sep

Job Opportunity: Conservation Field Officer

The Time +Tide Foundation, which operates from the Nosy Ankao eco-lodge, Miavana by Time + Tide, in Madagascar, has created a conservation programme to focus efforts on protecting biodiversity and natural heritage in the region by promoting eco-tourism, supporting community-led conservation initiatives, preventing destructive fishing and forestry practices and developing key partnerships to research and...
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29
Sep

Register now: Navigating 30×30 – building bridges between conservation and small-scale fisheries

Invitation – 5th of October 2023!  Join us for an engaging discussion led by experts, small-scale fisher representatives, practitioners, and stakeholders in marine conservation and fisheries. This webinar will delve into the complexities of implementing 30×30 for African oceans and coasts.    Date: 5th October 2023  Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm (CAT/CET)/ (2.00-4.00 pm EAT)– please consider time differences ...
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25
Sep

Deep-Sea Seminar

The Blue Economy Research Institute of the University of Seychelles invites you to a deep-sea seminar. Event Date: 29 September 2023 Time: 09:00 – 12:30 (GMT+4) Hybrid presentation format: Physical venue: Manchester Theater, Anse Royale Campus, Seychelles. Registration is open for online participants to sign up for the event. Please  register here.       Share...
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20
Sep

Marine Regions Forum 2023 Photography Competition

The Marine Regions Forum team is excited to announce that a photography competition is open for submissions, focusing on the 2023 theme “Navigating ocean sustainability in the Western Indian Ocean and beyond.” Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, expertise, and levels of photography experience are welcome to participate. We hope that this photography competition will be...
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19
Sep

IUCN GLOBAL Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems: draft assessments of the mangrove provinces of the Western Indian Ocean region and Agulhas

The IUCN is conducting a GLOBAL Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems (RLE) whereby they are making draft assessments for each of the 40 mangrove provinces delineated in the world. Our mangrove project ‘Mangroves International Coordination Action – MICA’ is supporting the IUCN for the mangrove provinces for the Western Indian Ocean region and Agulhas (South-Africa); more specifically...
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12
Sep

Call for proposals: WIOMSA Marine Research Grant (MARG I) & the GMES and Africa MarCOSIO Grant

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Marine and Coastal Operations for Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean (MarCOSIO), are pleased to offer the Marine Research Grant (MARG I) and the GMES and Africa MarCOSIO Students Grant. Early...
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08
Sep

Save the Date: Navigating 30×30 – building bridges between conservation and small-scale fisheries

Save the Date – 5th of October 2023! We are thrilled to announce an upcoming webinar that tackles one of the most pressing challenges in the realm of marine conservation and sustainable fisheries: Navigating 30×30 – building bridges between conservation and small-scale fisheries: potential and pitfalls of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for African oceans and coasts. Join...
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06
Sep

International Festival of Sciences and Arts: The sea as the future of the Indian Ocean

The countries of the Indian Ocean, and the Comoros archipelago in particular, are made up of a group of islands whose sea is a remarkable source of heritage and tourism in the Indian Ocean. With a population of less than a million inhabitants living on a narrow, rich and varied island, the sea remains a...
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04
Sep

WIOMSA at the Africa Climate Summit and Climate Week

The  Africa Climate Summit & Africa Climate Week 2023 are taking place this week in Kenya, hosted by the Government of Kenya and the African Union Commission. The summit aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa. With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency...
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04
Sep

Supporting Evidence Based Targets for Enhanced NDC Ambition in the WIO

In preparation for the policy work to support countries with the inclusion of blue carbon ecosystems, Pew, Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) together with partners including the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA, organised a workshop and reception on Sunday 3rd September  in Nairobi, ahead of the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week taking...
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31
Aug

Save the Date! AfriMAQUA International Conference

Aquatic foods are a vital source of essential nutrients and contribute to food and nutrition security in many countries. By 2030, per capita fish consumption is expected to increase worldwide with the exception of Africa, due to population growth outpacing supply on this continent. Aquaculture has significantly expanded in Africa — mostly based on freshwater...
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25
Aug

Charting a Course for Marine Conservation: The Kenya-Tanzania Transboundary Collaboration Roadmap

In a world grappling with the urgent need for environmental conservation, the establishment of Transboundary Conservation Areas (TBCAs) has emerged as a critical strategy for preserving marine ecosystems. One such effort is the collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania, facilitated by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), to establish a Transboundary Conservation Area in...
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25
Aug

Launch Coral Bleaching: Toolkit & Comprehensive Guide

The Coral Reef Alliance has launched the Coral Bleaching: Toolkit & Comprehensive Guide  which gathers essential information about coral bleaching into one convenient resource. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of educational content, a handy list of tools for monitoring and alerts, and a practical checklist of steps to take before, during, and after a bleaching...
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23
Aug

Consultancy for Course Content Producers

The University of Seychelles, through its Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI-Unisey), is offering Short-term, independent consultancies for COURSE CONTENT PRODUCERS to assist in its activities in the development of a Deep-Sea and Ocean Science Course in the Western Indian Ocean. The Minderoo Foundation in partnership with UniSey, WIOMSA and Nekton, are working together to meet the needs identified...
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18
Aug

New Publications: Application of the Global Urban Monitoring Framework in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam Cities

WIOMSA and the UN Habitat are pleased to announce the release of two reports assessing the performance of two coastal cities in the Western Indian Ocean: Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In 2019, WIOMSA,  through its Cities and Coast Project, together with the UN-Habitat,  initiated the Global Urban Monitoring Framework  (UMF) project for ...
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10
Aug

Apply for the 2023 IOI Germany Monsoon School

The International Ocean Institute is pleased to announce that applications are open for the online Monsoon School on “Generating impact in complex coastal and marine contexts: co-design and development of transdisciplinary research projects”. The course will take place online on 1 – 10 November 2023.  This 1.5 week training course will be all about collaboration...
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10
Aug

Call for Participation in the International Ocean Human Resource Development Project

The Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation is calling for students and scientists under 30 years of age to apply for an opportunity to cruise the Caribbean! OPRI sees the development of ocean leaders who will promote the sustainable use of our ocean for the next generation as an urgent issue...
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09
Aug

Call for Proposals: Ocean Innovation Challenge Blue Economy Accelerated

The UNDP Nature for Development Hub is pleased to announce that the Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) Blue Economy Accelerated 4th Call for Proposals is now open for submissions. UNDP OIC will be supporting local organizations, including start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs), as well as local NGOs and academic organizations in coastal least developed countries...
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01
Aug

Phd/Post Doc Fellowship Opportunity with RECOS

The Indian Ocean Commission, through the “Resilience of coastal populations and ecosystems in the South-West Indian Ocean” (RECOS) project  is funding a PhD or post-doctoral fellowship on the topic of marine and coastal ecosystems (mangrove and seagrass beds) conservation and restoration in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Nationals of IOC countries that are beneficiaries of the...
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31
Jul

The latest issue of the WIO Journal of Marine Science has been published

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest edition of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS)!  WIOJMS Volume 22 Issue 1 includes the following papers: Seagrass cover reduction in Zanzibar from 2006 to 2019. Danielle Purvis, Narriman The first attempts made towards the domestication of sea cucumbers in Kenya. Esther...
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31
Jul

The WIO Mangrove Network 2023 membership drive is on

Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network invites interested individuals to join the network in the effort to protect, manage and develop mangroves of the Western Indian Ocean Region. Learn more about the network and sign up for membership here: Membership – Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network (wiomn.org)   Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in...
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31
Jul

Join the dynamic MWAMBAO team!

Mwambao  is recruiting for a “Chief Technical Advisor” based in Zanzibar to implement its community-led marine co-management vision and mission https://mwambao.or.tz/ . Deadline:7th Sep 2023 After more than 10 years, MWAMBAO has become a well-recognized coastal/marine conservation actor in Tanzania and the Western Indian Ocean, engaging with a broad range of partners and funders using community-centred approaches....
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24
Jul

Commemoration of the African Day of Seas and Ocean 2023

VIRTUAL EVENT Sustainable Futures: Preserving African Seas and Oceans 25 July 2023 14:00-15:30 UTC (17:00-18.30 EAT) Protecting the ocean is everyone’s business – and so the responsibility of every African. The AU at its 22nd summit in January 2014, set a period from 2015 – 2025 as the ‘Decade of African Seas and Oceans’ and...
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24
Jul

CALL FOR 2024: INTERNATIONAL PHD PROGRAM ON EARTH SYSTEM MODELLING

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM), located in Hamburg, Germany, is  offering  several PhD positions to outstanding students interested in interdisciplinary climate research. The PhD  is a joint program by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) and the Universität Hamburg (UHH) whose  doctoral candidates contribute to the understanding of...
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17
Jul

Save the Date: MSP Global Conference

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) and the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission (DG MARE) are delighted to invite you to the Online Kick-off Conference of the new phase of the MSPglobal Initiative on Wednesday 6 September 2023 from 10:00 to 13:00 (Paris time)! The project “Supporting the global implementation of international...
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17
Jul

WIO-COMPAS Programme is open for applications

The Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals Programme (WIO-COMPAS) is pleased to announce that  applications for Level 1 and Level 2 certification assessment are now open. The combined event will be held on 24-27 October 2023, in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Level 2 certification is open to marine protected area professionals (MPA) from the...
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12
Jul

The UN Ocean Decade: the Annual Special Issue of the Marine Technology Society Journal

As the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development  (“Ocean Decade”) enters its third year, the Marine Technology Society Journal (MTSJ) in collaboration with the Decade Coordination Unit at at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, are pleased to present the 2023 annual issue dedicated to the Ocean Decade global efforts. This year’s issue focuses primarily...
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12
Jul

Marine Megafauna & Ocean Fronts working group inception workshop

Nelson Mandela University and Conservation International are pleased to invite you to the Marine Megafauna & Ocean Fronts a working group inception on July 25th – July 27th, 2023. The purpose of this workshop is To explore ocean fonts in the Western Indian Ocean as drivers of species distribution patterns that may affect feeding and...
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12
Jul

GEMS/Water CDC: Continuous Professional Development Courses APPLY NOW

The world has a water quality problem. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and groundwaters are under more pressure than ever as humans rely utterly on the resources they provide. Do you want to know more about monitoring global aquatic ecosystems and resources? If so, you could take a professional development course with the UNEP GEMS/Water Capacity Development...
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10
Jul

PhD Opportunity: Aquatic Pollution Monitoring and Modelling

An opportunity for a PhD position in the fields of aquatic pollution monitoring and modelling at the University of Siena, in Tuscany Italy, has opened. This research opportunity focuses on integrating information from multiple sources; citizen science programmes, continuous sondes, low-cost sensors and remote sensing, into novel modelling and forecasting approaches to identify pollution sources...
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10
Jul

My Beloved Ocean Children’s Environmental Drawing Contest

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, in partnership with Human in love, Korea, is pleased to announce the 3rd edition of “My Beloved Ocean” children’s drawing contest. I am protecting the oceans and the Earth with my painting! Our oceans are being destroyed due to various pollution and climate crises! Please express your story...
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10
Jul

Get your copy of the Blue Carbon Handbook

The Blue Carbon Handbook is now live on the Ocean Panel website, and can be accessed here. “‘The Blue Carbon Handbook: Managing blue carbon as a nature-based solution for supporting sustainable development’ is an essential guide to blue carbon ecosystems and the benefits they provide to people and nature. The handbook was developed to provide decision-makers...
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10
Jul

Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa: Applications Now Open!

The Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania is pleased to announce that the Ireland Fellows Programme – Africa is open for applications until 30 July 2023. The Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity open to students and professionals in Tanzania to study at Master’s level in Ireland’s world-renowned Higher Education Institutions (HEI) The Ireland...
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04
Jul

Launch of the 2023 Partners Initiative: Blue Economy and Ocean Governance

The Africa-Europe Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the  2023 Partners Initiative, which has been created in response to the demand for a renewed partnership between local youth organizations across Africa and Europe following the 6th AU-EU Summit.  The project will award selected youth-led organizations with micro-awards of up to €5000 to deliver cross-continental grass root projects addressing...
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30
Jun

The June Issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

We are pleased to invite you to read the June issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief. In this issue of the Newsbrief, we spotlight the 9th Indian Ocean Rim Association Dialogue on Innovation in Blue Economy and its role in GDP Contribution that was held in Zanzibar in May. The dialogue explored opportunities for advancing blue...
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26
Jun

Blue Carbon as a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Action and Sustainable Development

The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Ocean is pleased to invite you to  a webinar to launch the handbook “Blue carbon as a nature-based solution for climate action and sustainable development”. Coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes are known as ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems for their ability to sequester...
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26
Jun

PhD post: Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is pleased to announce a PhD post at Campus Gotland in Visby within the research program Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRHU). The PhD project will focus on the thematic area “Management and valuation of recreational fisheries”. Duties NRHU is seeking a PhD student who can contribute...
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26
Jun

Resilience-Based Management Online Course

The Reef Resilience Network is excited to announce that the new Resilience-Based Management Online Course is available in English, Bahasa Indonesia, French, and Spanish. More than 700 people registered for the mentored version in May, and now you can enroll in the self-paced version. 98% of the mentored course participants who finished the course would recommend it to a colleague! This...
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21
Jun

Job Opportunity at WIOMSA: Programme Manager- Science and Policy

WIOMSA has launched a new programme called “Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean – Institutional Strengthening through Science, Capacity, and Assimilation for a Sustainable Blue Future – SCALABLE” (2023-2026). The programme aims to strengthen the WIO science-policy interface and increase the impact of the WIOMSA’s Marine Science for Management (MASMA) programme to support...
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21
Jun

Join the IOC UNESCO Ocean Science Day Celebration

This year the 32nd IOC Assembly is open to the public during the traditional Ocean Science Day organised on 22 June to discuss current challenges in ocean science. The two main items of Ocean Science Day will be a discussion of opportunities and challenges for adaptation and mitigation to ocean change, preceded by a session highlighting the...
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21
Jun

Survey on Understanding the Beauty of Coral Reefs

As a part of the Marine Science Department of the IPB University, the Lancaster Environment Centre, the MARBEC laboratory, and the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia,  are conducting a survey to analyze human perspectives on the beauty of coral reefs.  They need your valuable input to advance our research on the aesthetic value...
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21
Jun

New Atlas Bleaching Alert!

The Allen Coral Atlas team is super excited to release an incredible new feature. Atlas users can now sign up for bleaching alerts in their favorite coral reef areas! This is timely as we’re in the development of El Niño, which calls for a high probability of coral bleaching worldwide. Here’s how it works: every...
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12
Jun

S.H.E. Mentoring Programme in Deep-Sea Research

On the occasion of World Oceans Day 2023, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the Office of the High Representative of the United Nations for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and partners of the Women in Deep-Sea Research project joined hands to launch the S.H.E. (“See Her Exceed”) Mentoring Programme...
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12
Jun

Training Workshop for Science Writers

Do you want to write for Nature Africa? Calling all current or aspiring science writers! Nature Africa is inviting you to a virtual webinar to learn more directly from the portal’s editors. Date and Time: 28 June 2023 | 14h00 EAT Programme outline Introduction to Nature Africa (Lynne Smit, senior editor at Nature Africa) So you want to be...
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12
Jun

Training and employment opportunities at IOC UNESCO

IOC UNESCO is pleased to announce the following opportunities: EMPLOYMENT Project Coordinator for the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility Deadline: 15 June 2023 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IOC/OTGA/OL: Ocean Literacy Training for architects and urban planners (self-paced) (01 May – 31 July) OTGA PacMAN eDNA: Marine Invasive Species Early Detection: Utilising Molecular Tools 2023 (self-paced) (01 May-15...
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12
Jun

Good for Business and Good for Reefs: How to Engage the Tourism Sector in Reef Restoration Webinar

The Nature Conservancy, with support from the Reef Resilience Network and NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, is pleased to announce a webinar on engaging the tourism sector in reef restoration. Coral reefs annually provide US$36 billion in economic value to the world. This includes diving, snorkeling, and other reef recreation activities, but it also includes...
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06
Jun

Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Industrial fishing Symposium in Madagascar

A regional Symposium on Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Industrial Fishing (IUUF) is underway in Antananarivo, Madagascar, running from June 5-7, 2023. Blue Ventures has organized the Symposium in collaboration with the US Embassy in Madagascar and Comoros. The Symposium was officially opened by Madagascar’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, H.E. Dr Mahatante Tsimanaoraty Paubert ...
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06
Jun

Call for Marine & Community Experts to Review Business Proposals under the MIAMBA Yetu Programme

As part of efforts to conserve and protect the WIO’s coral reefs, WCS is implementing the Miamba Yetu Sustainable Reef Investments programme along the length of Kenya and Tanzania’s coasts – including the Zanzibar archipelago. Funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, MIAMBA Yetu is a US$40 Million investment vehicle that aims to support...
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05
Jun

Sida commits support to WIOMSA with a focus on the science-policy interface for a sustainable Blue Economy

Sweden, which has been a significant contributor to WIOMSA for over two decades, has reaffirmed its support for the organization’s core objectives which include building institutional capacity for marine science and assisting the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region in strengthening a knowledge-based blue economy. Sweden will provide 70 million Swedish Kroner (approximately US$ 6,400,000) to...
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25
May

RECOS Launches Exchange Programme

As part of the “Resilience of population and coastal ecosystems in the Southwest Indian Ocean” project – RECOS, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) is pleased to announce the  launch of a major “Exchange of Experiences Programme”. The programme, which  contributes toward capacity building and the dissemination of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) expertise in the IOC...
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24
May

Regional workshop on Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in small-scale fisheries

A two-day regional workshop on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in small-scale fisheries is currently underway in Zanzibar. The workshop, which will run from May 24 to 25, 2023, is organized by WIOMSA and Blue Nature Alliance in collaboration with the Nairobi Convention and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar. The workshop...
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17
May

WIOMSA Newsbrief: Call for Articles

We are accepting articles for the June 2023 edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief. Submissions shall be in the following categories Highlights from recently published papers: this segment features the key findings from recently published papers. Specifications: Submissions shall be no more than 600 words in non- scientific language and should include the link to the...
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17
May

Recruitment: Marine Programme Manager

Dahari has been working since 2013 to support rural communities to restore ecosystems in the Comoros through three programs: forests, agroforests and marine. Dahari has 60 employees on the islands of Anjouan and Grande Comore with an annual budget of around €800,000. In order to maximize its impact,  Dahari Comoros is looking for a profile...
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17
May

SAVE THE DATE: Workshop on marine turtle nesting and coastal erosion

Would you like to learn more about the issues between turtle nesting and beach erosion? Come take part in this workshop, organised as part of ICO Solutions and RASTOMA, to find out more about the protection of nesting sites from the retreat of the coastline. Join us, alongside our international experts, to listen to their feedback, share your experiences and ask your questions. Open to...
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17
May

Subsurface Mooring Design, Recovery and Deployment Training

POGO Member, IOCAS (China) has received funding approval for a 7-day training course on Subsurface Mooring Design, Recovery and Deployment. This training initiative will be carried out in conjunction with JAMSTEC and SCRIPPS, and is expected to have a capacity for around 50 participants. Overview: Many ocean processes that scientists want to study are either...
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10
May

Job Opening: Chief Scientist at SAIAB

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)  is advertising (second round) for a Chief Scientist position to  lead the research component of the institute. The incumbent will lead and manage the research and innovation component of the Institute’s mandate, which is to undertake Aquatic Biodiversity Research and Innovation that drives the sustainable socio-economic development...
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10
May

Opportunities at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

Read about the latest employment and engagement opportunities from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES   Chief of Section (Ocean Science) Deadline: 10 May 2023 Coordinator of Capacity Development activities Deadline: 21 May 2023 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Marine Data Management, Governance and the MEDIN toolset (15-19 May 2023) IOC/OTGA/OL: Ocean Literacy Training for architects and urban planners...
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10
May

Masters Opportunity: Investigating the implications of climate change for mangrove fauna along the Mlalazi Estuary, South Africa

Mangrove ecosystems occur along the coastline and are of great ecological importance as a carbon sink, shoreline protection, and a nursery habitat for many fish species. As South African mangroves are located at one of the limits of their global distribution range, the effects of global change, specifically global warming, include range extension of these...
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10
May

Masters Opportunity: Biodiversity and Settlement in the Great African SeaForest

South Africa’s kelp forests, informally termed “The Great African Seaforest” hold a remarkable and largely unexplored biodiversity. During a successful pilot study in 2022, 120 invertebrate families were identified from kelp holdfasts with diversity varying across sites and bioregions in the Western Cape. Building on this survey, this project aims to understand settlement dynamics within...
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10
May

Factors enabling local blue growth: Policy Brief available in French and Portuguese

The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) is pleased to announce that the policy brief 9 factors enabling local blue growth in developing countries is now available in French and Portuguese. The brief is based on results from four background studies, commissioned by SwAM, exploring the conditions for lifting coastal communities out of poverty through blue growth initiatives....
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04
May

The Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Launches WIO-COMPAS event in Seychelles

The 22nd  WIO-COMPAS Certification Event kicked off in Seychelles  on 3rd of May with an official launch by H.E. Flavien Joubert, Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and the Environment, Seychelles.  The WIOMSA President Marie May Jeremie was also in attendance and she underscored the important role that MPA practitioners can play in the achievement of...
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04
May

IUFRO World Congress 2024: Call for Abstracts

The 26th International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress will take place  in Stockholm, Sweden 23-29 June 2024. The theme of the conference is “Forests and Society towards 2050” The Call for Abstracts for the XXVI IUFRO World Congress is open! The Congress Scientific Committee welcomes submissions of abstracts for presentations in sub-plenary,...
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04
May

Ocean Governance Training for the Indian Ocean Region

The Environment and International Law Practice Group of the World Bank, with funding from PROBLUE and in partnership with the University of Melbourne Law School, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, the International Seabed Authority, the Food and Agriculture Organization...
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24
Apr

Issue 15 of the WIOMSA Magazine has been published!

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the WIOMSA Magazine!   Guest edited by Alison Clausen, Deputy Coordinator of the Ocean Decade, Issue 15 of the WIOMSA Magazine: People and the Environment, focuses on the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium  and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The 12th WIOMSA...
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20
Apr

Webinar: Mapping Ocean Acidification Monitoring and Research Recommendations to Policy

WIOMSA established a Western Indian Ocean Acidification  Monitoring  project with regional institutions and experts in 2018, resulting in the WIO Ocean Acidification Monitoring Report. WIOMSA aims to upscale actions from the project and use ocean acidification (OA)  monitoring and research to inform ocean policy and management in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.  The OA...
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14
Apr

Call for applications to join the Advisory Board of the UN Decade on Ecosystems Restoration

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 has launched a public call for applications to become  Advisory board members for the term May 2023 to April 2025. Application deadline is 15 April 2023. As outlined in the board Terms of Reference, board members serve in their individual capacity and include members from Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society,...
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14
Apr

Indo-Pacific Fish Conference and the Australian Society for Fish Biology Conference

The Organising Committee of the 11th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC) and the Annual Conference of the Australian Society for Fish Biology,  is pleased to invite participants to the two conferences to be held on 20-24 November 2023 at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. The Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC), held every four years, is undoubtedly...
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14
Apr

Call for Nominations: The Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Awards

Sustainable Fisheries Initiative is calling for nominations for the annual Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Awards (SFA). The awards seek to celebrate East Africans who give their time, expertise and passion on behalf of our precious natural resources. Across 15 categories, this annual event celebrates regional champions working in fisheries as well as nature protection, climate...
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11
Apr

The latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief has been published!

We are pleased to invite you to read the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief and hope that you find it informative! This edition of the Newsbrief features thought provoking reviews from regional experts on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the landmark UN High Seas Treaty and their implications for conservation in the Western...
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11
Apr

Registration now open – Resilience-Based Management Mentored Online Course

The Reef Resilience Network, in partnership with the Resilient Reefs Initiative, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the International Coral Reef Initiative, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the new Resilience-Based Management Mentored Online Course. This free course is designed to provide marine...
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05
Apr

Request for Information: Marine Biodiversity Conservation Activity for the WIO

USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s Environment Office seeks to gather information to inform an activity design in support of a potential Marine Biodiversity Conservation Activity for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit feedback on a draft concept and to identify qualified organizations capable of implementing the...
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28
Mar

The 2023 Call for OWSD Early Career Fellowships for women scientists is open

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is  pleased to inform you that the 2023 Call for Applications for the OWSD  Early Career Fellowships for women scientists  is now open. This Fellowship is a prestigious award of up to USD 50,000, generously  provided by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC),  and is offered...
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28
Mar

Save the Date: Resilience- Based Management Mentored Online Course

As coral reefs face increasing local and global threats, managing them effectively requires managers to extend their focus beyond the reef boundaries. By incorporating both ecological and social aspects of the reef system, managers can implement a wider range of adaptation strategies that increase reef resilience. The Reef Resilience Network is hosting a mentored version...
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21
Mar

International Day of Forests

WIOMSA wishes you a happy International Day of Forests! On this important day, we spotlight the mangrove forests of the WIO region which cover one million hectares and constitute 5% of the world’s mangrove forests. These forests are crucial ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks, habitats and offer much needed shoreline protection. WIOMSA’s publication “Mangroves...
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20
Mar

Registration now open: Webinar on the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit

The Marine Mammal Twinning, part of the Ocean Governance  project, is pleased to co-host a webinar with WIOMSA and WIOMPAN on 13th April 2023 at 10.00 am GMT (12.00 pm EAT). The webinar will introduce the Marine Mammals Management Toolkit as an innovative tool for effectively managing marine mammals in and around MPAs in the Western Indian Ocean. Register...
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20
Mar

Job opportunities in the Pemba channel

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and their partner Mwambao, are implementing a multi-million Euro, 4.5-year project funded by the Blue Action Fund (BlueAction) and seeks to hire staff for two positions: Grant Manager, BlueAction Project FFI is seeking an experienced Grant Manager to oversee delivery of this BlueAction grant entitled ‘Increasing socio-ecological resilience through community-led management...
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15
Mar

The Great Blue Wall Ocean Data Challenge

Are you passionate about protecting and restoring marine biodiversity in the Western Indian Ocean?  Share your innovative solutions by participating in the UpLink Great Blue Wall Challenge!  This challenge calls for ocean-positive startups and social enterprises which contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the Western Indian Ocean, aligning with the Great Blue Wall Initiative and...
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15
Mar

TOR for assessing governance capacity for SSF management in Kenya

WCS Kenya, the Nature Conservancy and partners have a national project working with all 90 fishing communities, government agencies, and all local NGOs to explore what an optimal network of voluntary community closures might look like considering ecological systems and social capacity. A key part of the work is to assess community governance capacity in...
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15
Mar

Announcing IPDET’s 2023 Program

The International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) is pleased to announce the M& E training program and scholarship opportunities for 2023 : A 2-week onsite program, which includes a week-long Core Course and a week of workshops, to be held from July 10 – 21, 2022 in Bern, Switzerland. The deadline for application to the on-site program is May...
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15
Mar

Empowering Women in Community-Based Natural Resource Management

Can marine conservation and women’s advocacy go hand in hand? Part of CORDIO’s work is to explore possible synergies among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the project ‘’Empowering women in community based natural resource management’’. CORDIO trained women on alternate, localized business models, and encouraged their active participation in local fisheries management. Watch a...
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13
Mar

Launch: African Network of Deep-water Researchers

The African Network of Deep-water Researchers, an initiative under the UN Decade endorsed Challenger 150 Programme , is pleased to invite you to its official launch. The network has been established with the aims of: Facilitating and strengthening collaborations between African institutions and individuals active or interested in deep-sea and offshore research; Supporting and enhancing opportunities...
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13
Mar

IWC Questionnaire on Seismic Survey Activity

As part of the endorsed International Whaling Commissions Conservation Committee work programme on Anthropogenic Underwater Noise, a questionnaire has been developed to compile global data on marine seismic surveys for hydrocarbon exploration, including ongoing and planned activities for the next five years [2023-2028]. The aim of this questionnaire is to compile information in order to...
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13
Mar

Invitation to the Larval-Fish Session at the Indo-Pacific Fish Conference

A session entitled Larval fishes – solving phylogenetic, life-cycle and ecological questions will be part of the XI Indo-Pacific Fish Conference to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 22-24 November 2023. Most marine bony fishes have a two-phase life history with pelagic larvae that differ in morphology, ecology and habitat from the adults.  These phases operate...
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03
Mar

Consultancy on gender-based challenges and opportunities in small scale fisheries in the Tanga-Pemba Seascape

WIOMSA  is pleased to announce a consultancy  to conduct research on gender-based challenges and opportunities in small scale fisheries in the Tanga-Pemba Seascape area, Tanzania. The consultancy aims to undertake a gender assessment and develop a plan of action to promote gender equality in small-scale fisheries (SSF) and management of marine and coastal ecosystems in...
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02
Mar

International Women’s Day Webinar:#Embracing Equity

In celebration of the International Women’s Day 2023, the Network for Women in Marine Science (WiMS) invites you to join us for panel discussions and reflections on embracing equity and recognizing the progress in breaking the barriers across various fields to create an equitable and inclusive world. The panel will feature changemakers from diverse backgrounds...
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28
Feb

A new issue of WIOJMS has been published

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the Western Indian Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS). Volume 21, Issue 2 of WIOJMS contains the following articles: Supplementation of probiotics in Nile tilapia fingerling cultivation subjected to microbial challenge. Angélica A. Jossefa, Ivan C. Nerantzoulis, Aidate Mussagy Retained fish catches of artisanal...
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27
Feb

Save the Date: International Women’s Day Webinar

Ahead of the International Women’s Day, the Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) is pleased to announce a webinar on Tuesday 7th March 2023. The event will take place at 11:00-12:30 EAT and feature panel discussions and round table reflections on #EmbracingEquity. Join the conversation by registering to attend here. Share this:Click to share on...
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27
Feb

CMS Dugong MOU Small Grants 2023: Call for concept notes

The CMS Dugong MOU is excited to announce a new call for project concepts that aim to support community-led activities that address key threats to dugongs and seagrass. The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild...
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20
Feb

Café Science: Billfish Frontiers- Experiences from the Western Indian Ocean

Join the BILLFISH-WIO project in the latest edition of the “Café-Science” panel at Alliance Francaise, Mombasa, on Friday 24th February 2023 at 6pm. The project investigators, Dr Nina Wambiji and Dr Nelly Kadagi, will be sharing findings from their research and highlighting opportunities for collaboration and improvement in billfish fisheries in the western Indian Ocean....
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20
Feb

Survey: Marine Regions Forum Conference

The Marine Regions Forum team has created a survey for all coastal and ocean stakeholders in the Western Indian Ocean region. The aim of the survey is to engage key needs and interests in preparation for the second Marine Regions Forum conference that will take place in person in the region towards the end of this year. Please follow...
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16
Feb

WIOMSA Board of Trustees elects new officials

At its 44th meeting on 2 February 2023, the 8th WIOMSA Board of Trustees elected Ms. Marie-May Jeremie as its next president. Dr. Blandina Lugendo was elected treasurer, while Dr. Nina Wambiji was elected vice president. Ms Marie-May currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. She is...
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09
Feb

Water Ways: An International Conference on Human Relations with the Sea

Hauwezi kuvuka ziwa hadi uwe na ujasiri wa kutouona urefu wa pwani. You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore (Swahili Proverb) The  South African Research Chair (SARCHI) in Ocean Cultures and Heritage is pleased to announce a call for papers for  “ Water Ways: An...
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07
Feb

International Day for Women and Girls in Science Webinar

The Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) invites you to a webinar to celebrate the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS). The webinar will be held on 10th February 2023 at 1100-1230 HRS (EAT). The theme of the event is “Bringing everyone forward for sustainable and equitable development”. IDWGIS aims to encourage...
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07
Feb

The 2023 Call for SCOR Working Groups is open!

The SCOR Secretariat invites proposals for new working groups to commence activities in late 2023. Deadline for submission: 12 May 2023. Click here for instructions, guidelines, and a template to help prepare the proposals. The selection of the new SCOR working groups will take place at the 2023 SCOR Annual Meeting scheduled to take place in Busan, Korea, on 17-19 October...
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07
Feb

Deadline extended for WWF’s Education for Nature Grants

The deadline for applications for all WWF’s Education for Nature 2023 Science Capacity and Leadership Grants has now been extended to February 15 2023 by 11:59 PM ET. Special for this call for application are two fellowships aimed at enhancing conservation capacity throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Please review brief details of each...
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31
Jan

Opportunity for Early Career Scientists to participate in a research cruise

In April-May 2023, the R/V Roger Revelle will be sailing from Cape Town, South Africa, to Port Louis, Mauritius, to collect in-situ observations in the Madagascar Basin. This joint cruise is part of the East Madagascar Current (EMC) and Deep Madagascar Basin (DMB) Experiments, both funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and endorsed...
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19
Jan

Vacancy Notice: Head of the IOCAFRICA Secretariat

The IOC UNESCO is pleased to announce a vacancy notice for a professional post, under the job title Head of the IOCAFRICA Secretariat at  P-4 level, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the overall authority of the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the direct supervision of the Head, IOC Marine Policy and...
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16
Jan

Workshop on “Coral Reef Fishes: Identification, Ecology, and Challenges in a Warming Ocean”

The Marine Research and Higher Education  (MaRHE) Centre is pleased to announce a workshop targeting professionals and students working on coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. The workshop “Coral Reef Fishes: Identification, Ecology, and Challenges in a Warming Ocean” will be held at MaRHE Center from 23th to 31th March 2023. The upcoming edition will be led by Dr....
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16
Jan

Global Environmental Outlook 7: call for nominations of ocean experts

UNEP’s ground-breaking seventh Global Environment Outlook is  calling for authors, review editors, fellows and collaborating centres to assess how to implement solutions in the global energy, food and materials/waste systems and their supporting economic and financial models, rather than continuing to examine what needs to be done. Experts on ocean and marine systems are invited to join...
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16
Jan

Job opening: Research Manager

The Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies has an opening for a  research manager. The position will be based in Benguerra island, Mozambique. For further information on the post and to submit your application; please contact Dr. Mario Lebrato, ma***********@bc****.org. Download the terms of reference for the post.     Share this:Click to share on Twitter...
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12
Jan

Regional Training Workshop on Shoreline Change Management for Coastal Municipalities Officials

The School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC),  is organizing a “Regional Training Workshop on Shoreline Change Management for Coastal Municipalities Officials”. The workshop is sponsored by WIOMSA, through its Cities and Coasts Project, and...
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12
Jan

Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture: Early Career Ocean Professionals invited to pay tribute to Professor Ruivo through their outstanding projects

Are you an Early Career Ocean Professional? Apply now to the inaugural Professor Mário Ruivo Memorial Lecture APPLY NOW: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 13 FEBRUARY 2023 Travel and accommodation will be sponsored for the winning applicant to present her/his research at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, in front of Governments, partners and stakeholders at the 32nd...
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12
Jan

The WIOMSA Community and MASMA programme loses a respected and treasured socio economist

The Western Indian Ocean marine science community has lost a valued socio-economist, mentor and friend. On 10th January 2023, Prof Kassim Athman Ally Kulindwa passed away peacefully in India, after a long and brave battle with cancer. At the time of his death, Kassim was the chair of WIOMSA’s Marine and Coastal Science for Management...
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06
Jan

User Research & Engagement Strategy Internship at The Allen Institute for AI

Are you interested in honing your user research skills while learning about cutting-edge developments in technology to address illegal fishing? Do you have a passion for applying technology to do good in the world? If so, an internship on the Skylight team at AI2 may be the perfect opportunity. The Skylight team will be reviewing...
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19
Dec

PhD Stipends in Marine Bioacoustics at CMST – Curtin Mauritius

The Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Curtin University has 4 PhD stipends on offer in marine bioacoustics. The  stipends are part of a 4-year research project entitled “The Quieter Western Indian Ocean” (QWIO), funded by the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM). The 4 PhD theses will comprise the following: Underwater ship noise...
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16
Dec

First Issue of the Western Indian Ocean Science to Policy Platform Series published

We are pleased to announce the release of the first volume of the Western Indian Ocean Science to Policy Platform series “Transitioning to a Sustainable Blue Economy in the WIO Region: Addressing the challenges and harnessing opportunities”. Volume 1, Issue 1 of the series -officially launched during the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in South Africa- ...
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16
Dec

UN Ocean Decade Ocean Prediction Centre kick-off meeting set for January 2023

Mercator Ocean International (a key partner of the GEMS ocean and data hub on essential ocean variables) is hosting the UN Ocean Decade, Ocean Prediction Centre kick off meeting. The meeting will be held on  January 11th & 12th 2023.  The Ocean Prediction official launch will be hosted on a collaborative platform and will be an interactive event...
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15
Dec

The latest WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

We are delighted  to announce that the December issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief has been published. This issue of the Newsbrief  features WIOMSA at COP 27 in Egypt  where we unveiled the Report on Ocean Acidification monitoring in the Western Indian Ocean. Other key features  include a spotlight on our newly elected Board members and...
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12
Dec

Call for Applications: Workshop on Urban Planning and Waste Management

WIOMSA, in collaboration with Universidade Lúrio and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, is pleased to announce a call for applications for a training titled “Training workshop: “Common sense in urban planning linked with waste management”. The workshop will take a “learning by doing/ solutions in practice” approach, focused on Pemba city,  Mozambique. The training  aims to provide...
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30
Nov

WIOJMS Special Issue: Ocean and coastal governance in the Western Indian Ocean

A special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) has been published!  WIOJMS Special Issue 1 2022 on Ocean and coastal governance in the Western Indian Ocean has been guest edited by Louis Celliers and Shannon Hampton and is dedicated to the outputs of the West Indian Ocean Governance and Exchange Network...
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30
Nov

New Trustees appointed to the WIOMSA Trust

The WIOMSA board is excited to announce the appointment of new trustees to the WIOMSA Trust Fund to energise the trust and bring diversity to its management. Angelique Pouponneau and Dr. Julius Francis were appointed to the four member WIOMSA Trust effective from 1st November 2022. Ms. Pouponneau comes on board as a first-time trustee. ...
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30
Nov

Calls for WIO-COMPAS certification for 2023 now open

Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals (WIO-COMPAS)  programme is pleased to announce that applications for Level 1 and Level 2 certification, for the year 2023 are now open.  The certification assessment events will be offered in March and October 2023. Level 2 certification is open to marine protected area professionals (MPA) from...
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23
Nov

The 2021 WIOMSA Annual Report is out!

We are delighted to announce the release of our Annual Report for 2021.  This special report focuses on WIOMSA’s progress in 2021, and reflects on its successes, challenges and opportunities. Key features include a summary of WIOMSA’s investment and impact in numbers, regional actions to promote the Blue Economy and efforts to achieve SDGs, Science to Policy...
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21
Nov

Introducing Blue Sessions

WIOMSA is excited to share a new short-interview series titled “Blue Sessions”. The segment features interviews with ocean leaders from various sectors sharing their insights, reflections and solutions to address the challenges that face the coastal and marine environment in the western Indian Ocean (WIO) region and beyond. Blue sessions will focus on advances in...
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21
Nov

Blue Sessions: Dr. Nelly Isigi Kadagi

Dr. Nelly Isigi Kadagi, the 2021 WIOMSA Emerging Scientist Award Winner delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the need for the inclusion of diverse voices in the Ocean Decade, keeping the door open and supporting small scale fisheries.     Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in...
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16
Nov

COP 27: Ocean Action Day “Ocean for Climate – Implementing ocean-based climate action to build coastal adaptation and resilience”

Action Room 1, Climate Action Zone, Blue Zone On Wednesday 16 November 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Egypt time, the High-level Climate Champions, the MPGCA for Ocean and Coastal Zones and the Ocean & Climate Platform, together with partners, will host the Ocean Action Day: “Ocean for Climate – Implementing ocean-based climate action...
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14
Nov

WIOMSA at COP 27

WIOMSA will take part in the International Ocean Alliance Side Event “OA Action: Increasing ambition for climate action and transforming response to climate-ocean change”. The event takes place at the Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone, November 14, 2022, 3:00pm-4:30pm EET. Dr. Arthur Tuda, WIOMSA’s Executive Secretary, will be part of a panel discussion on “Commitments to OA Science,...
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14
Nov

Report on Ocean Acidification Monitoring in the Western Indian Ocean Region

WIOMSA is pleased to announce the release of a new report “The Ocean Acidification monitoring report” which presents the research results of the WIOMSA supported ocean acidification projects in Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania. The research provides a baseline that will foster the development of an integrated science strategy for ocean acidification...
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14
Nov

Call for 2023 SCOR Visiting Scholars is now open!

The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) is receiving applications for the SCOR 2023 Visiting Scholar program. The SCOR Visiting Scholar program enlists the services of ocean scientists, from both developed countries and developing countries, to teach short courses and to provide more extended on-site education and mentorship at developing country institutions. This program is...
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07
Nov

Highlights from the 12th WIOMSA Symposium

The 12th WIOMSA Symposium (#WIOMSA2022) was a monumental gathering for Western Indian Ocean Science!  Drawing 954 attendees, the diversity, expertise and interdisciplinarity of #WIOScience was uniquely represented by all involved. There were 150 oral and 315 poster presentations in 56 thematic sessions at the 12th Symposium. Added onto 31 special sessions, 6 book launches and...
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27
Oct

The role of women in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation & Environmental Management

AU-IBAR has commissioned a study on the Role of Women in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Management. The study will be an input for the development of a continental strategy to support gender mainstreaming in the Blue Economy. The questions can be accessed on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XDPNGWN. The survey closes on 31st October 2022....
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08
Oct

The 12th WIOMSA Symposium Newsletter is out

We are excited to share the first issue of the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium Newsletter. This issue will bring you up to date with the latest developments on the event including: a welcome note from the WIOMSA President, what to expect on the programme, summaries and invitations to special sessions and mini-symposia, keynote presentations and much...
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23
Sep

12th WIOMSA Symposium Newsletter: Call for articles

All roads lead to #WIOMSA 2022! WIOMSA is pleased to open a call for articles for the 12th WIOMSA Symposium Newsletter. Do you have an upcoming presentation, book launch, special session, exhibition or mini symposium? The Symposium Newsletter is the perfect platform to highlight your event. Email se*******@wi****.org with your article (no more than 500...
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23
Sep

Together for Africa’s Seas: SST Newsletter published

Our partner, Sustainable Seas Trust is passionate about creating networks of empowered individuals and organisations across Africa; committed to valuing our seas and safeguarding them for all who depend on them for their livelihood. Check out their latest news and resources to encourage and inspire you in your own efforts to stop plastics from entering...
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23
Sep

WCS Tanzania is hiring!

Background  Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is looking to hire a Knowledge Management Lead for the USAID/Tanzania Heshimu Bahari Project led by Chemonics International Inc. The five-year project will acquire technical, material, and grant management services that support and strengthen capacity for marine biodiversity conservation to i) build the capacity of the public sector and civil...
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20
Sep

Regional underwater photo contest: call for entries

As part of the MAEO project (Observatory of Elasmobranchs within the Mascarene Archipelago), ARBRE association and the FFESSM commissions “Underwater Environment and Bio” and “Underwater Photo-Video”, in partnership with La Réunion Marine Protected Area and Sciences Réunion, are launching an international underwater photo contest on the theme “Elasmobranchs and large pelagics“. This contest, open to...
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18
Sep

G20 CORDAP Opens 2022 Coral Research Funding Opportunity

We risk losing 75% to 90% of the remaining coral reefs. Our window of opportunity for saving the corals is rapidly closing and we need innovative technical solutions and large-scale wide interventions. The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) has launched its first funded call for proposals to make an impact in filling...
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16
Sep

12 WIOMSA Symposium: Guidelines for poster presentations

WIOMSA is pleased to announce that the posters accepted for the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium will be presented online as E-posters.  Electronic Posters or E-Posters are similar to traditional paper posters, but these will be displayed on-site on multiple large LCD television screens in the E-Poster area at the Board Walk Convention Center. For this...
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09
Sep

Sample Preparation Manual Training Course

Sustainable Seas Trust will be hosting an interactive Training Workshop on the methods described in its newly released Sample Preparation Manual for the analysis of plastic-related pollutants, such as heavy metals and bisphenols. The manual has specifically been designed to provide SIMPLE, DETAILED and VISUAL step-by-step protocols ideal for early career researchers. If this is you, the manual is aimed to assist you in...
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09
Sep

Launch: Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean

The Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean will be officially launched online at the Annual Smith Memorial Lecture TIME: 18h00 SOUTH AFRICAN STANDARD TIME DATE: 29 SEPTEMBER 2022 REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd–rqDIqE9FXhIt4AoUWdD-aaiDK0LLE Detailed information and programme to follow ALL LINKS WILL GO LIVE DURING THE EVENT Coastal Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean follows...
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09
Sep

Women in Marine Science Cocktail

The Network of Women in Marine Science (WiMS) is pleased to invite participants to the 12th WIOMSA Symposium participants to a cocktail event on Sunday, 9 October from 19:30 at the Board Walk Convention Centre, South Africa. Please join WiMS in a pre-Symposium event to celebrate the achievements of the WiMS community, meet and greet...
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25
Aug

A New Issue of WIOJMS has been published!

 Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science 21 (1) is out! The issue contains the following 10 articles : Abundance, spatial distribution and threats to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in an Important Marine Mammal Area in Tanzania Magreth P. Kasuga, Modest D. Varisanga, Tim R.B. Davenport, Narriman Jiddawi, Gill T. Braulik 1-14 Use of...
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18
Aug

Generating impact in complex natural resource contexts: co-design and development of transdisciplinary research projects

A Call for applications for the Summer School  on “Generating impact in complex natural resource contexts: co-design and development of transdisciplinary research projects”  is open. 24 October – 1 November 2022 | online Target group: PhD candidates and post-doctoral scientists This 1.5 week summer school will be all about collaboration in a Global North/South setting and...
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18
Aug

Call for Applications for an Early-Career Scientist to Join the SCOR Executive Committee

The 2022 call for applications for an Early-Career Scientist (ECS) to join the SCOR Executive Committee is still open for a few more days! The ECS in the SCOR Executive Committee will help reaching out to the broader early-career community and get it involved into SCOR activities. Position Description: The early-career scientist will have the same...
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05
Aug

Erratum: WIOMSA Newsbrief- Announcement of WIOMSA Board Candidates

The  special edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief that was published on 4th August 2022 contained errors in the candidate profiles. WIOMSA wishes to sincerely apologise for this.  A corrected version is included in this post. Download the WIOMSA Newsbrief.   Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...
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04
Aug

WIOMSA Newsbrief Election issue: Announcement of WIOMSA Board Candidates

A special edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief has been published. The purpose of the issue is to notify WIOMSA members about the approaching election for the WIOMSA Board of Trustees. The term of the current Board is coming to an end in October 2022. The process of electing the new board began in April 2022...
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04
Aug

Marine Mammals Management Toolkit

To tackle the continued threats faced by marine mammals, the Marine Mammal Twinning, (https://marine-mammals.info/the-marine-mammal-twinning/), within the framework of the EU-funded Ocean Government project (https://oceangovernance4mpas.eu/), has developed a toolkit (www.marine-mammals.info) to build technical capacities and support MPA managers in understanding the level of protection afforded to marine mammals through their MPA management plans, driving the effective...
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03
Aug

New Publication: Marine Mammals of Tanzania and Zanzibar

“The Marine Mammals of Tanzania and Zanzibar – an Illustrated Guide and Natural History” by Tim Davenport, is the first of its kind specifically targeting the United Republic of Tanzania. The book was conceived in 2013 during the writing of “A Guide to the Large Mammals of Tanzania’ when the authors identified 18 species of...
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28
Jul

Studies on the Mascarene Plateau: special issue of WIOJMS published

WIOMSA is pleased to announce the release of a special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS). The issue,  Studies on the Mascarene Plateau, has been guest edited by Professor Ranjeet Bhagooli. The focus of the special issue is on the major research findings of a research cruise conducted from on...
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21
Jul

Announcements: Launch of the State of WIO Mangroves; Enhancing Inclusive Governance; MPA Day 2022; Vacancies: Mwambao and WCS

New Publication: State of Mangroves in the WIO Wetlands International is pleased to announce the release of a new report: The State of Mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean. This new report, developed as part of the Save our Mangroves Now! Initiative, in collaboration with the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) partners and building on the data of the Global Mangrove Watch Platform...
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14
Jul

12th WIOMSA Symposium: Call for Exhibitors

We are pleased to announce that the call for exhibitors at the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium is now open to projects, organisations and businesses involved in the marine and coastal sectors. Exhibiting at the Symposium presents industry players with prime opportunities to showcase their work, enhance their brand image and create new connections within the western...
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13
Jul

A Tribute to Dr Jesper Vasell

We mourn the passing of  a friend to the WIO region, a WIOMSA  and MASMA Programme Committee member, Dr. Jesper Vasell. At the time of his death, Jesper was director of the KTH Global Development hub in Sweden and Kenya. Before joining KTH, he was the Innovation Office Director at Chalmers University of Technology. Jesper...
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08
Jul

The June Edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

In this issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief, we cover the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon, the African Marine Waste Network conference “Towards Zero Plastics to the Seas of Africa,” and the regional kick-off conference on the UN Decade of Ocean Science in Cairo. We share highlights from recently published papers, news from our regional partners,...
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01
Jul

Announcements: WIO-ECSN Webinar and Ocean Governance for Sustainable Marine Ecosystems Summer School

Invitation to a Webinar on “Connecting to heal our Oceans in the WIO region” The Western Indian Ocean Early Career Scientists Network (WIO-ECSN), and its country chapter of Tanzania invite you to a webinar which aims to connect youth, ocean advocates, conservationists, academicians, researchers, activists, government officials, early-career ocean professionals, and all potential stakeholders, from...
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27
Jun

Its on: the Floating University Project “École bleu outremer, Cap sur l’Océan Indien”

Seventy five- students- among them, eleven, from the Western Indian Ocean region- are today starting an exciting expedition on board the RV Marion Dufrense!  The  students have been selected as part of  the “École bleu outremer, Cap sur l’Océan Indien”;  an interdisciplinary, inter-professional and international floating university project. The programme’s primary goal is to promote...
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24
Jun

WIOMSA at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon

The second UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, starts next week from 27 June to 1 July. To mobilize action, the Conference will seek to propel much-needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. With over 5,000 ocean advocates anticipated to attend, including world leaders,...
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06
Jun

The 12th WIOMSA Symposium Photo Competition is on!

WIOMSA has opened its 12th WIOMSA Symposium Photography Competition for submissions! The contest was launched on 5th June in celebration of World Environment Day 2022.  Plugging into the “Only One Earth” theme, and the essential role that the ocean and ocean science play in the planet’s functioning, the focus of the photo competition is  “A...
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27
May

Capacity Building on Environmental Flows Assessment in WIO Countries

The Sokoine University of Agriculture in collaboration with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association is hosting a regional training on “Capacity Building on Environmental Flows Assessment in Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Countries” on 20 August 2022 to  30 August 2022.  The course will benefit professionals working in water resource management, environmental conservation, and/or research....
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26
May

World Oceans Day: Ocean Art Contest

Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries Zanzibar,  the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the French Embassy in Dar es Salaam is organizing an Ocean art contest in line with the UN World Oceans Day theme 2022 “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean: Shedding...
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23
May

Call for Nominations: First Round of Regional Workshops of the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea

The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, would like to draw attention to the convening, under the auspices of the United Nations, of regional Workshops (the “Workshops”) in support of the third cycle of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the...
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02
May

WIOMSA Board Elections: Nomination of New Board Members

WIOMSA is pleased to announce that nominations for the WIOMSA Board of Trustees are now being accepted. Only members in good standing (paying members and registered students) are eligible to nominate, be nominated, and vote in the election, according to WIOMSA’s electoral rules. Each WIOMSA member may recommend up to four candidates, one for each...
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21
Apr

The Call for Abstracts and Mini Symposium Proposals Ends Tomorrow!

The Call for Abstract and Mini Symposium Proposals submissions for the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium ends tomorrow- 22 April 2022! For more information on abstract submissions, please review the abstract submission guidelines on the WIOMSA Symposium website.  All abstracts are submitted online on the EXBO Platform where each author will need to register  and log...
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20
Apr

Delivering transparency in fisheries: Madagascar publishes vessel lists

The Government of Madagascar has taken an important step towards fisheries transparency by publishing a list of industrial vessels authorised to fish in the country’s waters. This list, detailing 39 vessels permitted to catch shrimp for the 2022 season, is the latest in a series of commitments aimed at securing a more sustainable future for fisheries in the...
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12
Apr

The latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

We are pleased to announce the release of the first issue of the 2022 WIOMSA Newsbrief series! The  Newsbrief features some insightful stories from WIOMSA and partners in the region. We have showcased the launch of the Climate Change Policy and Adaptation Planning for Mombasa County Government, Kenya. We highlight a story from the next...
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07
Apr

Save the Date: the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium!

Dr. Jacqueline Uku, the WIOMSA President, welcomes delegates to the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium that will take place in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa on 10-15 October 2022. Organised by WIOMSA, the Sustainable Seas Trust and the Nairobi Convention, the theme of this year’s symposium is “A New Decade of Western Indian Ocean Science”. The...
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30
Mar

Webinar: Deep-sea research in the WIO

WIOMSA and NEKTON are co-hosting a webinar on deep-sea research in the Western Indian Ocean. .Deep-reef  and deep-sea habitats comprise  more than 95% of habitable space on the planet and convey many benefits to society such as regulating our planet’s climate and providing vital fisheries for growing economies. Currently, they are poorly explored and remain largely unprotected,...
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24
Mar

12th WIOMSA Symposium: Call for Special Sessions

WIOMSA, the Sustainable Seas Trust and the Nairobi Convention are pleased to invite proposals for special sessions at the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium  to be held in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa on 10-15 October 2022. 14th October 2022 has been set aside for special sessions convened by projects, programmes and organisations to discuss topical...
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22
Mar

Engaging Youth on Climate Action

By Eunice Ogada and Clifford Ochiel (COMRED)  Climate change is a major global issue that requires interventions, adaptation, and mitigation actions to limit its adverse effects to secure the future of our planet.  With the emanating negative impacts of climate change, the County government of Mombasa unveiled the Governors’ Young Leaders’ Program (GYLP) hosted by...
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21
Mar

Submit your Abstract for the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium

There is one month to go to submit an abstract for the 12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium! If you would like to share your work with delegates at the WIOMSA Symposium in South Africa, in October 2022, you have just one month to write and submit  an abstract for oral and poster presentations or to convene...
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14
Mar

Last Chance to register for the Ocean Challenge for Africa!

Ocean Challenge for Africa 📣 Applications for the #OceanChallenge4Africa are only open until March 22nd. This is your LAST CHANCE to register for the marine-themed hackathon.  #OceanChallenge4Africa is a 48-hour event where teams work from idea to prototype with the help of expert mentors. We’re welcoming people from all backgrounds with any skill sets. All...
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08
Mar

WiMs on International Women’s Day!

Today marks International Women’s Day, and the theme is: Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow. During the month of March 2022, the Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) will showcase some of the empowering work that work women in marine science in the Western Indian Ocean Region are embarking on to #breakthebias and empower...
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07
Mar

International Women’s Day: Live Interview with Jacqueline Uku

Join the IOC UNESCO for a Special Instagram Live Interview with Dr. Jacqueline Uku- the WIOMSA President and the co-chair of the Editorial Board of the latest issue of Global Ocean Science Report (GOSR). Dr. Uku will be discussing the role of women in building ocean knowledge and the findings of the GOSR. The interview...
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04
Mar

Announcements: Workshop on Observing the Coastal and Marginal Seas in the WIO; UCT/SAEON PhD and Post doc positions

Workshop on Observing the Coastal and Marginal Seas in the Western Indian Ocean including the Arabian/Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman A Regional Training Workshop on ‘Observing the Coastal and Marginal Seas in the Western Indian Ocean including the Arabian/Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman’ will be organised in a hybrid format on 7th...
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03
Mar

WIOMSA ScienceNews: Upwelling and the influx of freshwater increase fisheries productivity

  A study of primary productivity in Kenya’s territorial waters has demonstrated that upwelling is associated with high fisheries output. Scientists from ten institutions in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and the United States of America collaborated in the Productivity in the East African Coastal Current under Climate Change (PEACC) project that produced...
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28
Feb

Announcements: Great Blue Wall Initiative Side Event and a Consultancy on Ocean Acidification Mitigation

The Great Blue Wall Side Event at the Eighth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development The Great Blue Wall (GBW) Initiative is pleased to invite you to a side event on “Unlocking the regenerative potential of blue economies by establishing new kinds of People-Planet-Partnerships.” The objective of the side event is to...
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23
Feb

Researching the Seychelles marine environment: perspectives on Blue Economy, fisheries, and coral reefs

The Blue Economy Research Institute, University of Seychelles (BERI) and Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) are pleased to invite you to a virtual seminar on Researching the Seychelles marine environment: perspectives on Blue Economy, fisheries, and coral reefs. The seminar will take place on Thursday, 10 March 2022 (09.30-11.00 GMT/ 13:30-15:00 SCT via Zoom)  Over the years,...
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21
Feb

Call for proposals to support the organization of training courses and writing workshops: Cities & Coasts Project

WIOMSA, through its Cities and Coasts (C& C) project is pleased to announce a call for proposals to support the organization of training courses and writing workshops. WIOMSA is implementing the five year C&C Project (2018-2022), that aims to assist the countries of the western Indian Ocean (WIO) to achieve SDG 11 on sustainable cities and...
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18
Feb

WIO-COMPAS Level 1 Certification: Call for Applications

The Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals (WIO-COMPAS) Programme is pleased to announce the offering of a Level 1 Certification event for MPA Rangers, Officers or Marine Field Operators. The Certification Assessment Event will be held in Kisite Mpunguti MPA, Shimoni, Kenya on  22-25 April 2022 . The deadline for submission of...
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15
Feb

Notice to WIOMSA members: Invitation to submit recommendations for amending the WIOMSA Constitution

At its 42nd meeting, the WIOMSA Board approved the process of amending the WIOMSA Constitution. Article 17 of the WIOMSA constitution allows the Association’s members to submit amendments to the constitution. The latest substantial constitutional revision was in 2013 and was adopted in Maputo, Mozambique, at the 5th WIOMSA General Assembly. Since then, many things have...
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14
Feb

Regional Announcements: Call for proposals for WWF Feasibility Study; Virtual Training Opportunity for ECOP

Request for proposals: WWF Feasibility study for a BMZ-BENGO WWF Kenya is in the process of sourcing for proposals for a consultant to conduct a Feasibility Study for a BMZ-BENGO Project. Prices quoted should be net inclusive of all costs and taxes, must be expressed in Kenya shillings or in dollars and shall remain valid...
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10
Feb

Announcements: Early Career Ocean Professionals Survey; One Ocean Science Virtual Summit

ECOP-AFRICA INVENTORY The Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme – African Regional Node (ECOP-Africa) is conducting a survey on the inventory of ECOPs in Africa, and to understand the ECOPs’ needs, priorities and challenges.  ECOPS in the WIO are requested to participate in the survey and to share the link with other potential ECOPs so as...
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09
Feb

Read the latest issue of Litter Catch Up!

WIOMSA and the Africa Marine Waste Network  are pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the  WIOMSA Litter Catch Up newsletter. The monitoring programme for marine debris is the first of its kind in Africa and could well be the first in the world, in that teams in seven countries (Kenya, Madagascar,...
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07
Feb

Southern African Marine Science Symposium

Have you submitted your abstract for the Southern African Marine Science Symposium (SAMSS 2022)? The  deadline for submissions is 15 February 2022! SAMSS Vision 2022: SAMSS Symposium 20 – 24 June 2022 Marine Science is at a crossroads. Recent technological advances are driving new fields of biological endeavour with the aim of addressing current environmental and...
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04
Feb

WWF Education for Nature Program: New Funding Opportunities for 2022

The WWF Education for Nature (EFN) Program is pleased to announce the launch of two new grant opportunities through WWF’s Education for Nature Program!  A brief synopsis for each is available below along with links to full eligibility requirements and the application instructions. NEW! The Caroline Goldman Cassagnol Fellowship This fellowship supports EFN alumni who wish...
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03
Feb

A new issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science is out!

The Editorial Board of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) is pleased to announce the publication of WIOJMS Volume 20, Issue 2 (2021). The issue contains the following articles: Assessment of reef fish and benthic cover of the North and South Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves system before the 2016 El Niño....
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02
Feb

Call for proposals to support the organization of training courses and writing workshops

WIOMSA, through its Marine and Coastal Science for Management (MASMA) Programme is pleased to announce a call for proposals to support the organization of training courses and writing workshops. WIOMSA and its partners have been at the forefront of creating and pioneering innovative capacity development programs that improve individual professional capability and thereby organizational management...
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01
Feb

12th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium: 2nd Announcement and Call for Abstracts

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Sustainable Seas Trust and the Nairobi Convention are pleased to make the second announcement and call for abstracts for the Twelfth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium. The Symposium will be held as a hybrid virtual/ in-person Symposium at the Boardwalk Convention Centre in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa...
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23
Jan

COP27 must deliver climate finance where it is needed most

Last week an article was published on “COP27 must deliver climate finance where it is needed most” in Mongabay. The article was written by our program manager for the Cities and Coasts Project, Dr. Valentine Ochanda, together with Sally Yozell (Environmental Security program at Stimson Center) and Jack Stuart (Environmental Security program). While it’s critical that adaptation financing...
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04
Jan

New Schedule for the Plastics Training Course

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) are pleased to announce the launch of the Plastics Training Workshop as an interactive online course. Have you ever wished that you had a better understanding of plastics and plastic pollution? If you are a decision-maker, a manager, researcher, educator, or involved...
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24
Dec

Socio-ecological change in estuaries of the Western Indian Ocean: a Special Issue of WIOJMS is out!

The Editorial Board of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) is pleased to announce the release of Special Issue 1/2021 on Socio-ecological change in estuaries of the Western Indian Ocean(WIO). The Special Issue has been guest edited by Dr Johan Groeneveld. The special issue is based on research undertaken by the Estuarize-WIO ...
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20
Dec

Regional training workshop on Fish Barcoding and Functional Ecology

KMFRI in collaboration with Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen (ZMT) are inviting applications for a regional training workshop on Fish Barcoding and Functional Ecology. The workshop focuses on compiling and sharing both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills. Participants will gain advanced skills to quantify the taxonomic and functional structure of marine fish...
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16
Dec

New Publications: Cities and the Blue Economy in the Western Indian Ocean

Coastal cities are gateways of trade and transport of countries in the WIO region and sites of key economic activity and infrastructure including ports, airports, hotels and fish markets, as well as providing the workforce that supports key blue economy sectors. The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association and UN Habitat, in partnership with the...
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15
Dec

The December 2021 WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

We are delighted to announce the publication of the December 2021 WIOMSA Newsbrief! The WIOMSA Newsbrief contains several interesting stories from WIOMSA and  partners for the October-December quarter. Here’s what is featured in the Newsbrief: the 2021 MASMA and Cities and Coasts Grantees meeting, the Western Indian Ocean Certification of Marine Protected Area Professionals (WIO-COMPAS)...
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14
Dec

Inviting participants on a plastics training course to stop waste

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) are pleased to announce the launch of the Plastics Training Workshop as an interactive online course. Have you ever wished that you had a better understanding of plastics and plastic pollution? If you are a decision-maker, a manager, researcher, educator, or involved...
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13
Dec

Deadline Extension: Consultant/organization to pilot a multitrophic mariculture model at the Tanga-Pemba Seascape

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) in partnership with  IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) through funding from the Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam-Tanzania, is pleased to announce a consultancy for scoping, spatial mapping and suitability site assessment for seaweed and sea cucumber mariculture in Tanga-Pemba Seascape and the development...
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10
Dec

New Video: Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Awarded Blue Park Status!

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park has been named a 2021 Blue Park Award winner. The award, by the Marine Conservation Institute, has been conferred on Kisite -Mpugunti for achieving the highest science based-standard for marine life protection and management. Kisite Mpungunti, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), joins a growing network of 21 Blue Parks...
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10
Dec

Issue 14 of the WIOMSA Magazine: People and the Environment is Out!

WIOMSA is pleased to announce the release of the latest issue of the WIOMSA Magazine: People and the Environment! The special feature of Issue 14 is a story on Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which has just received a gold level Blue Park Award; becoming East Africa’s first ever Blue...
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09
Dec

Call for Applications: Science-Policy Training

Macquarie University in partnership with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) will be conducting a science – policy training on 22-24  February 2022. The aims of the training are to help the participants increase their knowledge of the barriers and opportunities of translating science to policy, and to provide them with the skills...
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08
Dec

Invitation to the launch of reports on “Coastal Cities of the Western Indian Ocean Region and the Blue Economy”

WIOMSA and UN Habitat are pleased to invite you to the launch of four cities Blue Economy studies (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Port Louis and Kilifi) and a strategic “Roadmap for the Development of the Blue Economy in Coastal Cities. The Blue city case studies outline broadly the current situation concerning the blue economy in...
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07
Dec

All coral reefs in the Western Indian Ocean at high risk of collapse within 50 years

A new assessment of the coral reefs of the Western Indian Ocean shows that they are all at high risk of collapse within the next five decades. Ocean warming and overfishing were identified as the main threats. In the study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-021-00817-0 coral reefs in ten countries in the Western...
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29
Nov

Join the Blue Solutions Virtual Ceremony on 30th November

After 9 years of implementation, the Blue Solutions Initiative is coming to an end on 31st December 2021. Jointly with the global ocean community, the Blue Solutions Team will celebrate successes and reflect on learnings from almost a decade of practical international cooperation in the marine realm, during a  virtual ceremony on 30th November 2021 from...
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25
Nov

World Study on the Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education Institutions and World Sustainability Researchers list

A team at the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP) https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/ftz-nk/programmes/iusdrp/ and European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR) https://esssr.eu/ is undertaking a World Study on the SDGs at Higher Education Institutions aimed at identifying the extent to which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been implemented into teaching and research. The project  invites academic staff working...
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19
Nov

Call for Applications for the Floating University Project “École bleu outremer, Cap sur l’Océan Indien”

An interdisciplinary, inter-professional and international floating university project named “École bleu outremer, Cap sur l’Océan Indien” A project fully in line with the main objectives of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainability Development (2021-2030) The Ifremer, jointly with several partners based in the Indian Ocean: IRD, CNRS, University of La Réunion, TAAF (French...
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16
Nov

Marine services and applications using satellite data: A MarCOSouth Webinar

The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa’s funded MarCOSouth project invites you to a webinar to find out about real-world service and applications using satellite data for routine monitoring and decision-support in Africa. The webinar will take place on 30 November  2021 at 10 am- 1 pm. SAST (8 am-11 am UTC)  The...
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09
Nov

New Report on Measuring Multidimensional Climate Risks in East Africa’s Coastal Cities launched

WIOMSA in partnership with the Stimson Center has released a new report on “Measuring Multidimensional Climate Risks in East Africa’s Coastal Cities,” with case studies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Mombasa, Kenya. The report was launched at COP 26 in Glasgow Scotland  on the 3rd of November where the  Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability...
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08
Nov

A Virtual Regional Consultative Meeting to Discuss Draft Guidelines for Development of Legislation and Related Policies on Marine Litter in Africa

The UN Environment Programme through its Africa Office in collaboration with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) are organizing a regional consultative meeting to discuss draft Guidelines for development of legislation and related policies on marine litter in Africa in a platform, INTERACTIO on 11 and 12 November 2021. The meeting will be...
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05
Nov

Community Ecology Conference: Extended deadline for Abstract Submissions

The Community Ecology Conference has extended the deadline for abstract submissions to 12 November 2021.  The conference will be held  fully online on  12 – 14 December 2021 . See more details here:  https://akcongress.com/comec/. Authors are invited to submit their oral and poster contributions from the following fields: Community ecology Island biogeography Macroecology Biodiversity and...
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02
Nov

Constructed Wetlands Technology book: Call for Contributing Authors

The University of Dar es Salaam, WIOMSA  and the Nairobi Convention- through the WIOSAP project- are pleased to announce a call for authors to write chapters for a new publication on Constructed Wetland Technology as a Nature-based Solution for Sustainable Municipal Wastewater Treatment in Western Indian Ocean Region. The project is motivated by the fact...
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01
Nov

WIOMSA Video for One Ocean Science launched!

The WIOMSA video for the One Ocean Science virtual tour has been launched! Dr. Jacqueline Uku, the President of WIOMSA, represents the voice of scientists from the Western Indian Ocean region  as she highlights the importance of  ocean science in improving climate risk management in the face of climate change. The video was one of...
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28
Oct

Invitation to join the COP 26 Virtual Ocean Pavilion

Join  the COP26 Virtual Ocean Pavilion for access to live and on–demand COP26 ocean events, to explore virtual exhibition booths and discover the Treasure Trove to learn more about the ocean and climate connection. Dedicated to showcasing why the ocean matters in climate negotiations and to all life on our planet, the pavilion initiative aims...
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25
Oct

Press Release: Ocean sciences are essential in the fight against climate change

Today,  25th October, Ifremer, the CNRS and the IRD, with support from the Ocean & Climate Platform, Thomas Pesquet and ESA, are launching a digital world tour of ocean and climate sciences, christened OneOceanScience. Scientists from the entire world are participating. Together, they will explain why ocean sciences are essential for better understanding and protecting...
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20
Oct

2022 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards: Climate Action and the Environment.

The call for applications for the Organization of Women in Science for the developing world (OWSD)-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists in the Developing World is now open. The awards target early career women scientists, rewarding and encouraging women working and living in developing countries who are in the early stages of their...
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19
Oct

Tender for consulting services on “the MASMA Program Evaluation”

WIOMSA is pleased to invite tenders for a consultancy on “the MASMA Program Evaluation”. The consultancy’s Terms of Reference are attached. The consulting team must prepare and submit: i) A technical proposal detailing the expertise and work plan required to fulfill the deliverables. ii) A financial proposal outlining the estimated costs associated with achieving the...
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18
Oct

The 2020 WIOMSA Annual Report is out!

WIOMSA is pleased to announce the publication of its 2020 Annual Report, which details the Association’s activities in a year marked by Covid-19 challenges and a period of transition. Despite the unprecedented challenges, WIOMSA has worked hard to adapt and seize new opportunities, as well as re-evaluate numerous aspects of its operations, in order to...
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13
Oct

New Online Course on Wastewater Pollution

The Reef Resilience Network in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, and the Ocean Sewage Alliance  is excited to launch the Wastewater Pollution Online Course. The course is designed to help marine managers and practitioners understand how wastewater pollution threatens ocean and human health, and what strategies and solutions are available to mitigate wastewater...
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11
Oct

Ocean Science Matters: the One Ocean Science Event

Ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 1 – 12  November 2021, IFREMER (the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) in partnership with the IRD (the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development) and the CNRS (the French National Centre for Scientific Research) will be...
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11
Oct

Meerwissen launches a Third Call for Proposals for African-German research projects

The Meerwissen Initiative, in collaboration with the IOC UNESCO has launched a 3rd call for proposals which  aims to strengthen the knowledge base for marine and coastal Nature-based Solutions in selected African countries. This call has been developed as a contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021 – 2030 and successful...
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08
Oct

Workshop on Biological Observations in the Indian Ocean (From Microbes to Megafauna)

A virtual workshop on biological observations in the Indian Ocean (from microbes to megafauna) will take place on 8-12 November 2021. The workshop is organised by the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS).  The workshop will focus primarily on best practices for assessing biological essential ocean variables (EOVs) for functional groups, in particular microbes,...
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04
Oct

A consultancy to undertake an Economic Benefit Analysis on importance of Earth Observation services: Call for proposals

The Benguela Current Convention (BCC) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), on behalf of the Marine and Coastal Operations for Southern Africa (MarCOSouth), are inviting proposals from senior consultants to to undertake the quantified potential economic benefits and value of Earth Observation services for decision-making on ocean governance and enabling the development...
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29
Sep

Call for Nominations to the CLIVAR Panels and Scientific Steering Group

The call for nominations to the Climate and Ocean – Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR) panels and the Scientific Steering Group (SSG) is now open, with appointments starting in January 2022 and January 2023 respectively. Nominations can be submitted online via the nomination form. The deadline for the submissions is 15 October, 2021. Detailed information about CLIVAR panels and...
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24
Sep

The September 2021 issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out now!

Read all the compelling stories in the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief! Here’s what we have featured in the September Newsbrief: the winners of the 2021 WIOMSA  awards; the launch of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Outlook by the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA; and the celebration of the first ever MPA...
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17
Sep

Adapting to climate change and enhancing resilience

ICLEI Africa would like to announce an online course on adapting to climate change and enhancing resilience.  The stakes could not be higher for climate action in Africa – the impacts of climate change will put almost 50 percent of the continent’s GDP at risk by 2023. The continent is also expected to experience an average...
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10
Sep

International Ocean Data Conference 2022 – The Data We Need for the Ocean We Want

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of International Oceanographic Data and Information  is pleased to announce the “International Ocean Data Conference 2022 – The Data We Need for the Ocean We Want”, to be held in Sopot, Poland between 14-16 February 2022 as a hybrid event. The main objectives of the conference will be: To consider regional and global...
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07
Sep

Podcast: Regional Approaches to Ocean Conservation

Laure Katz , Blue Nature Alliance has facilitated an informative discussion about using regional approaches to ocean conservation in Africa and South America.  The podcast features  two of our own from the WIO region- Dr. Arthur Tuda, Executive Secretary, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA)  and Angelique Pouponneau, CEO, Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation...
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01
Sep

Call for applications: Training Workshop on Nanotechnology and its Applications for Sustainable Cities and Coasts

Nanotech Futuristic Solutions and the WIOMSA Cities and Coasts project are pleased to announce the call for applications for a workshop on Nanotechnology and Its Applications for Sustainable Cities and Coasts, that will take place in Johannesburg South Africa on 29 November- 4 December 2021. This training workshop will equip professionals and practitioners from various...
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Photo: Mark Ziembick
31
Aug

Call for applications: Training on Building Capacities of Local Practitioners on the Assessment of Ecosystem Dynamics in the Emerging Coastal Towns in the WIO Region

Photo: © Mark Ziembicki Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), in collaboration with South Eastern Kenya University, Machakos University, Kenyatta University, The University of Nairobi, Centre for Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Algarve and ERACOMA, are organizing a regional training workshop on “Building Capacities of Local Practitioners for the Assessment of...
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30
Aug

Call for applications: Training course on strengthening the regional capacity for marine litter monitoring in the Western Indian Ocean

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in cooperation with WIOMSA, wishes to invite qualified participants to apply for a marine litter monitoring training course. The training will be hosted by KMFRI, on 22 – 30 November 2021. The objective of the course is to provide an in-depth understanding of harmonized protocols for inland...
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28
Aug

Call for applications: Strengthening Ocean Protection in Comoros

WILDOCEANS and  CORDIO,  in  collaboration  with National  Parks of  Comoros, the  Faculty  of  Sciences  and Technology  of  the University  of  Comoros, IRD,  AIDE  and  UMAMA, are  pleased  to  invite  applications  for positions  in  a  project,  funded  by  Oceans  5,  which  is aimed  at  improved  management  and  planning  for existing marine protected areas (MPAs) and supporting...
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27
Aug

Out now – WIOMSA Litter Catch Up!

We are pleased to announce that another edition of the WIOMSA Litter Catch Up newsletter is now out! The monitoring programme for marine debris is the first of its kind in Africa and could well be the first in the world, in that teams in seven countries (Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, and...
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26
Aug

New release: the WIO Journal of Marine Science!

A new issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) has just been published! WIOJMS Volume 20 : Issue I, contains the following 12 papers: Impact of a ring net fishery in the inshore marine waters of Kilifi on the reproductive biology of six pelagic fish species . David K. Bett, Mwakio Tole,...
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25
Aug

WIOMSA ScienceNews: Measuring coastal city resilience to inform action

In this week’s edition of WIOMSA ScienceNews, we focus on the Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index (CORVI) project and the Cities and Coasts collaboration to measure coastal city resilience in Dar es Salaam and Mombasa cities. The collaboration will provide critical data and insights for use by city and national governments as well as...
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18
Aug

Reasons For Hope: Issue 13 of the WIOMSA Magazine is out!

We are pleased to announce the release of the latest WIOMSA Magazine!  Issue 13 of the WIOMSA Magazine: People and the Environment , focusing on “WIO Marine Conservation: people, progress, prospects” , has been inspired by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network (WIOMPAN).  We are delighted that the renowned Dr. Sylvia Earle has...
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17
Aug

Ocean Exchange Awards 2021: Invitation to register Innovative Solutions

The Ocean Exchange is pleased to announce  that its 2021 calls for innovative solutions are now open for entries to compete for monetary awards in the following categories: The Orcelle and Neptune Awards These are two 100,000 USD each monetary awards. The Orcelle Award will go to the innovation that focuses on making the maritime...
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12
Aug

New Publication: Integrating biodiversity targets from local to global levels

A paper – “Integrating biodiversity targets from local to global levels:  A shared earth and ocean approach linking biodiversity and people – for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework”-   has just been released in this week’s issue of  Science Magazine. In this paper, African scientists, conservationists and community leaders present a ‘shared earth, shared ocean’ framework...
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12
Aug

WIO Symphony

The Nairobi Convention, in collaboration with Swedish partners, is building the WIO Symphony; a common model tool for assessing cumulative impact (to marine ecosystems) in the WIO region. After a year of data preparation, the next step in the process is working on the “sensitivity scores” which is one important component of the spatial model,...
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11
Aug

WIOMSA ScienceNews: Genomic tools to address questions in fisheries management

In this week’s edition of WIOMSA ScienceNews, we focus on the “Enabling sustainable exploitation of the coastal tuna species Kawakawa and skipjack in the western Indian ocean” project which is aiming to generate essential information about fisheries in the WIO region and relate this to key economic, biological and environmental information to inform management and...
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10
Aug

Global and local threats to mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean region identified in a new publication

A new study published in the Wiley Journal of Global Ecology and Biogeography has determined that both human pressures, when coupled with erosion, drought, and sea-level changes (i.e. certain effects of climate change), are the main culprits behind the diminishing mangrove forests in the Western Indian Ocean region. Globally, mangroves provide goods and services estimated to...
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04
Aug

WIOMSA ScienceNews – WIOBENTH: Mapping project makes steady progress

The effort to identify numerous communities of plants and animals that occupy the sea floor of the WIO region remains minimal. Nonetheless, there is growing interest amongst researchers in Western India Ocean region to identify and characterize benthic ecosystems. Since 2019, a dedicated team of marine researchers has been studying WIO seabed habitats through the...
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29
Jul

African Youth 2021 Summit

This year, a group of young marine enthusiasts, the Youth4MPAs (Youth for Marine Protected Areas), in partnership with WILDOCEANS are hosting the first-ever virtual African Youth Summit on the 19th and 20th of August 2021. The summit aims to mobilise African Youth, encouraging them to take ownership of the global 30×30 target, and to adapt...
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26
Jul

Workshop on Peer Review Excellence

Prof. Ursula Scharler (School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban) will be co-hosting another interactive workshop on the topic of Peer Review Excellence with IOP Publishing on 19 August, 1pm – 3:30pm South African Standard time. The workshop offers participants guidance to be an excellent reviewer and includes hands-on experience of evaluating a scientific...
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22
Jul

WIOMSA ScienceNews – Seagrass restoration successful in Tanzania!

WIOMSA ScienceNews provides updates on current WIOMSA-funded research projects. Grantees share their field experiences as well as their research results. In this week’s update, we look at Ecosystem-Based Coastal Zone Protection: The Effectiveness of Seagrass Meadows in Coastal Erosion Management (The Seagrass Project, in Tanzania). Seagrass restoration successful in Tanzania  Planting a large number of...
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20
Jul

MPA Outlook in the News

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Area Outlook developed by the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA is trending on regional and global media! The East African newspaper has featured a column on how expanding MPAs will enable East African countries to tap into the Blue Economy. The Maritime Executive has run an editorial by Brian Gicheru...
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19
Jul

The Seychelles Magpie Robin becomes the world’s first ‘digital species’ and it’s for sale!

Nature Seychelles, supported by its international partners the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Porini Foundation, have launched the world’s first Digital Species – the Seychelles Magpie Robin – which is being offered for sale as the first ever Digital #NatureCollectible (a Non-Fungible Token for conservation). “The Seychelles Magpie Robin will take...
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19
Jul

WIO MPA Outlook: Tanzania and Marine Protected Areas

The Nairobi Convention, with WIOMSA, launched the WIO MPA Outlook on Friday!  Last up in our series of the MPA Outlook fact sheets is Tanzania and its marine protected areas. Do you know that Tanzania has 2143 square kilometers of oceans protected by MPAs? Local communities have not been left behind either with 19 Collaborative...
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16
Jul

The Western Indian Ocean region has declared 550,000 square kilometers as protected, a 63% jump since 2015!

The Western Indian Ocean region has declared 143* marine and coastal areas as protected – an area covering 553,163 square kilometers, representing 7 percent of the total Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for the region – according to a new publication by the UN Environment Programme  (UNEP)-Nairobi  Convention  and  the  Western  Indian  Ocean Marine Science Association....
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15
Jul

WIO MPA Outlook Report: South Africa and Marine Protected Areas

Only one day to go to the launch of the WIO MPA  Outlook by Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA! Today, we  highlight South Africa and its MPAs. The country has made significant progress towards increasing the total coverage of its MPAs which serve important functions for the country including maintaining fish stocks, creating employment opportunities and...
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14
Jul

WIO MPA Outlook Report: Marine Protected Areas and the Seychelles

What does success in the achievement of SDG 14.5 look like? The Seychelles is a world class example of success with 16 MPAs covering 26.4 % of its EEZ  and 2600 species protected in its waters. Learn more about this remarkable accomplishment during the launch of the WIO MPA Outlook Report by the Nairobi Convention and...
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13
Jul

MPA Outlook Report: Marine Protected Areas in Mozambique

The 7 MPAs in Mozambique offer valuable ecosystem services such as building resilience  to climate change and extreme weather events, allowing the country to maintain its important fish stocks,  protecting its spectacular biodiversity and promoting  tourism. Join the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA at the launch of the WIO MPA Outlook on Friday 16 July at...
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12
Jul

WIO MPA Outlook Report: MPAs and the Republic of Mauritius

Mauritius has 18 MPAs and 2 Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas. The objectives of these protected areas range from protection and conservation of marine life to  the enjoyment of the sea and its rich bounty of biodiversity, from provision of job and food security  to providing living laboratories for science and research. Join the Nairobi Convention...
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11
Jul

The MPA Outlook Report: Madagascar and Marine Protected Areas

Madagascar has pledged to triple the surface of its MPAs by 2025. It is well on its way to delivering on this pledge with 22 MPAs protecting 14,451 square kilometers of the ocean and 200 locally managed areas that are either legally recognised MPAs or managed by the local communities through legal bylaws. Learn more...
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10
Jul

The WIO MPA Outlook Report: Marine Protected Areas and Kenya

Did you know that 24 coastal communities in Kenya have created informal MPAs to conserve their fisheries and marine resources and secure alternative sources of income?  Kenya is considering declaring 3 additional MPAs in Ras Tenewi and Malindi-Watamu and a Trans-boundary Conservation Area with Tanzania. Want to find out more about some of the remarkable efforts...
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09
Jul

The WIO MPA Outlook report: French territories and Marine Protected Areas

Join us at the launch of the Western Indian Ocean MPA Outlook: Towards Achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets on 16th July 2021. The report outlines the progress made by the governments of the western Indian Ocean towards meeting their commitments of conserving at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. In...
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08
Jul

The WIO MPA Outlook Report Highlights!

In preparation for the launch of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Marine Protected Areas Outlook report 2021, WIOMSA will support the Nairobi Convention in the release of country-specific factsheets presenting key highlights from the report. WIOMSA is honored to be a part of the MPA Outlook! With the help of WIO nation governments, the Nairobi...
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07
Jul

Event: Co-designing solution-oriented research for sustainable development

The upcoming 10 years are crucial for a healthy ocean. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is calling for a transformative research process and placing emphasis on the importance of co-design. The virtual event is part of the UN Ocean Decade Laboratory “An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean” and will promote the...
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01
Jul

BCI Ocean Innovation Prize applications are open

The Blue Climate Initiative (BCI) is thrilled to announce the launch of its global US$1 Million Ocean Innovation Prize to inspire, fund and support innovations that mitigate climate change through ocean-related strategies. The Prize is presented alongside the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and in collaboration with the Sustainable Ocean Alliance.  Please check out a one-minute video about the Prize...
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30
Jun

WIOMSA and Pwani University sign MoU for Blue Economy and Marine Spatial Planning Courses

Kilifi County, Kenya 21st June 2021 – WIOMSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pwani University in Kenya to design and provide courses on Blue Economy and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). The goal is to provide a collaborative framework for the parties to design and implement training programmes linked to Sustainable Blue Economy, as well as to...
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25
Jun

First SwAM Ocean Adaptive Management Seminar for MPAs: the network approach to Marine Protected Areas

On  24th June 2021, a group of 52 representatives from the Western Indian Ocean region participated in the first Adaptive Management Seminar for Marine Protected Areas, hosted by the Nairobi Convention and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) and WIOMSA. This first Seminar focused on the benefits of addressing marine areas protection...
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24
Jun

READ THE JUNE 2021 ISSUE OF THE WIOMSA NEWSBRIEF

This has been an exciting quarter for WIOMSA and  partners on many fronts. Here is what we are sharing in the June 2021 WIOMSA Newsbrief! We celebrated World Oceans Day with the launch of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network. We participated in the Virtual Early Career Ocean Professionals Day and the...
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18
Jun

A consultancy to undertake an Economic Benefit Analysis on importance of Earth Observation services: Call for proposals

The Benguela Current Convention (BCC) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), on behalf of the Marine and Coastal Operations for Southern Africa (MarCOSouth), are inviting proposals from senior consultants to undertake the assessment and demonstrable importance of Earth Observation services for decision-making on ocean governance and enabling the development of the ocean...
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10
Jun

Protecting Tanzania’s Reefs

Wildlife Conservation Society has created a Virtual Reality video on reefs in Tanzania that was released on World Ocean’s Day. The video is narrated by Dr. Nyawira Muthiga. When viewing the video, please use the arrows at the top to scroll around and see the reef in 360 degrees. View the video here!   Share...
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09
Jun

Call for expressions of interest to be a member of the Expert Assessment Group of the Green List (EAGL)

The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Programme, in partnership with WIOMSA, has opened a call for applications to be a member of the Expert Assessment Group for the Green List (EAGL) for the West Indian Ocean Region. Further details are attached regarding the IUCN Green List, the benefits and responsibilities of being...
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09
Jun

WIOMPAN is now live!

The Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA have partnered to launch the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Managers Network (WIOMPAN) on World Oceans Day. WIOMPAN is a platform where MPA managers, community members, and scientists can collaborate, share cross-project knowledge and learning, and exchange information, experiences and resources to support management of MPAs in the WIO region. To officially launch the...
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04
Jun

Launch of WIOMPAN!

WIOMSA and the Nairobi Convention cordially invite you to the launch of the Western Indian Ocean Marine Protected Areas Management Network (WIOMPAN).  WIOMPAN is a platform where MPA managers, community members, and scientists can collaborate, share cross-project knowledge and learning, and exchange information, experiences and resources to support management of MPAs in the WIO region. ...
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02
Jun

Early Career Ocean Professionals of the WIO: Sharing Ocean Experiences

WIOMSA is pleased to celebrate Virtual Early Career Ocean Professional Day (V.ECOP) 2021 with the release of a new video featuring early career scientists and ocean professionals from the WIO! The video features  unique insights and perspectives from 15 ECOPs working or studying in the WIO. It has been produced  in collaboration with the Western...
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31
May

V.ECOP Day: Registration Open!

WIOMSA would like to welcome you to the Virtual Early Career Ocean Professional Day (V. ECOP Day) which will take place on 1st -2nd June 2021 as a 24h livestream event. WIOMSA has prepared two events to celebrate VECOP 2021! A webinar organized by early career professionals of the WIO and a session on Oceans...
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31
May

UN World Oceans Day: Call for Registration

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Regional Office for eastern Africa invite you to a virtual live stream event to celebrate World Oceans Day 2021 on 8th June 2021 at 8.30-13.30 HRS EAT. Join in discussions on sensitizing stakeholders on threats to ocean health, opportunities,...
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29
May

WIOGEN – Ocean Governance Virtual Conference

This is not your traditional scientific conference – WIOGEN aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and policy makers to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Ocean Governance in the Western Indian Ocean. It will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to meaningfully network and...
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24
May

Save the date – VECOP day

WIOMSA would like to welcome you to the Virtual Early Career Ocean Professional Day (V.ECOP Day) which will take place on 1st – 2nd June 2021 as a 24hr livestream event. On the 2nd of June 2021 at 10:00 to 12:00 EAT you can visit the WIOMSA virtual booth which will be showcasing presentations about...
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18
May

Registration now open for WIO Benthic Imagery Workshop

Register for a virtual training event – The WIO Benthic Imagery Workshop 30th August to the 3 September 2021! Researchers/technicians/students from the WIO region interested in benthic research are invited to register for a virtual training event. Hosted by the DFFE and sponsored by WIOMSA through its Marine and Coastal Management Programme, the virtual training...
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18
May

Survey on MPAs!

The survey is developed by Dr. Paris Stefanoudis and colleagues at the University of Oxford and they would be very grateful for your help!  Are you working, or have you worked on the design, designation and/or management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in any of the following countries: Comoros, Kenya, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa (Indian...
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17
May

Virtual Early Career Ocean Professionals Day: Call for Video Clips

WIOMSA, in collaboration with WIOECSN,  is pleased to invite early career ocean professionals to share their ocean experience  by  submitting short 2 minute video clips to be featured in the WIOMSA booth at V.ECOP. Videos must be submitted to wi**********@gm***.com by 20 May 2021. Get the details here         Share this:Click to...
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13
May

Cities and Coasts Project call for proposals!

WIOMSA through the Cities and Coasts Project is inviting proposals for supporting the organization of training courses/workshops & publications! The C & C Project is inviting proposals to support training courses, writing workshops, and books/manuals. These proposals target different groups, including scientists, policy-makers, NGOs and local government representatives. Proposals should focus on key regional issues....
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10
May

Out now – WIOMSA Litter Catch up!

We are pleased to announce that another edition of the WIOMSA Letter Catch Up newsletter is now out! About this edition: Despite the inhibitions placed on the activities of the monitoring teams by the COVID-19 pandemic, some teams have managed to continue the work. In other countries, restrictions on travel, working in groups, and access...
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04
May

Now Open! MASMA Calls for Proposals to Support the Organization of Courses and Publication of books

WIOMSA through its MASMA programme, is pleased to announce a call for proposals to support the organization of courses and publication of books and manuals. The deadline for submission of proposals is 11 June 2021. Applications should be completed, and support documents uploaded at http://proposals.wiomsa.org/masma-proposals/ Questions for clarification should be sent by e-mail to se*******@wi****.org. Share this:Click...
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03
May

New MARG I Call for Proposals: Apply Now!

WIOMSA is inviting submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG I) programme. The MARG I programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects. Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online system. Only those applications submitted via this system...
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02
May

Voices of MARG Grantees – Zahirah Dhurmeea

This article is a part of WIOMSAs video series “Voices of MARG Grantees”.  Marine Research Grant I (MARG I) is a capacity building programme of WIOMSA that targets young and upcoming scientists with the aim of providing them with opportunities to undertake independent studies. Some of this research has led to publications in international peer reviewed journals...
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29
Apr

First Symposium announcement and call for abstracts!

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), and the Nairobi Convention are pleased to announce the Twelfth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, which will be held in Port Elizabeth in October 2022 as a hybrid virtual/ in-person Symposium.  Read the full announcement here!  SYMPOSIUM DATES: The Symposium will be held on Monday,...
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25
Apr

WIOGEN Ocean Governance Virtual Conference

The conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and policy makers to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Ocean Governance in the Western Indian Ocean. It will provide an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered...
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21
Apr

Workshop on Peer Review Excellence

On 11 May, 2pm – 5 pm South African Standard time, Prof. Ursula Scharler (School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban) will be co-hosting an interactive workshop on the topic of Peer Review Excellence with IOP Publishing. The workshop offers participants guidance to be an excellent reviewer and includes hands-on experience of evaluating a...
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18
Apr

Voices of MARG Grantees – Patrick Kimani

This article is a part of WIOMSAs video series “Voices of MARG Grantees”.  Marine Research Grant I (MARG I) is a capacity building programme of WIOMSA that targets young and upcoming scientists with the aim of providing them with opportunities to undertake independent studies. Some of this research has led to publications in international peer reviewed journals...
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11
Apr

Voices of MARG Grantees – Juliet Karisa

This article is a part of WIOMSAs video series “Voices of MARG Grantees”.  Marine Research Grant I (MARG I) is a capacity building programme of WIOMSA that targets young and upcoming scientists with the aim of providing them with opportunities to undertake independent studies. Some of this research has led to publications in international peer reviewed journals...
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04
Apr

New issue of WIOJMS!

A new issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) has just been published! This issue contains 12 articles: The influence of habitat preference on longitudinal population composition and distribution of Groupers (Serranidae) in Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania Caroline Daley The trophic structure of fish in seaweed farms, and adjacent...
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31
Mar

Read the March Edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief!

The March 2021 issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is a bumper edition filled with informative news on the recently concluded regional Science to Policy meeting convened by the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA; the results of the vote by WIOMSA Members on the WIOMSA General Assembly and Board Tenure; new projects under WIOMSA’s research programmes; updates...
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25
Mar

Reminder: register for IUCN Green List webinar

Don’t forget to register for the IUCN Green List webinar happening on 31th March 2021 at 10:00 East African Time.  Register here!  For who? Marine protected area/conserved area managers Conservation NGOs Publics agencies & administrations Scientists Webinar objectives: What is the IUCN Green list How it can be applied in the WIO region Share experiences...
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16
Mar

Job Opportunity: Tenure Track Group Lead in Integrative Ecological Systems Analysis

Eawag, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, is an internationally networked aquatic research institute within the ETH Domain (Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, through its The department of Systems Analysis, Integrated Assessment and Modelling is inviting applications for a Tenure Track Group Lead in Integrative Ecological Systems Analysis. Closing date for applications: 10...
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09
Mar

IUCN Green list orientation webinar

Save the date for a webinar on the IUCN Green list! For who? Marine protected area/conserved area managers Conservation NGOs Publics agencies & administrations Scientists Webinar objectives: What is the IUCN Green list How it can be applied in the WIO region Share experiences from other countries Discuss WIO interest in the Green list process...
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03
Mar

Programme for the Launch of Exercises in Marine Biodiversity and Ecology

Friday 5 March 2021, 1500-1600 HRS EAT Have you  registered  to join us for the virtual event to launch WIOMSA’s latest publication  Exercises in Marine Biodiversity and Ecology: A Training Manual using the intertidal habitats of the WIO Region?  Download the  Event Programme here. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...
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28
Feb

The January Issue of Litter Catch Up is Out!

The January 2021 issue of the newsletter of the marine litter monitoring programme, Litter Catch Up is out! This issue reports accumulation, riverine, floating, standing stock, benthic surveys and awareness and community engagement activities carried out in recent months in Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania. Download the full issue. Share this:Click to share...
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27
Feb

Launch of Marine Research Training Manual

Join us for the launch of our new book ‘Exercises in Marine Biodiversity and Ecology: A training manual using the intertidal habitats of the WIO region’. The book will be launched during an online event on 5th March 2021, at 3-4 pm EAT. Register here!  Deadline for registration is 4th March 2021.   Share this:Click...
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12
Feb

SAVE THE DATE: Launch of Marine Research Training Manual

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) is delighted to announce the upcoming release of a new training manual, Exercises in Marine Biodiversity and Ecology: A Training Manual using the Intertidal Habitats of the WIO region. You are invited to participate in the online launch from 1500 – 1600 on March 5, 2021. Download...
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11
Feb

Special Issue – Productivity in the East African Coastal Current under Climate Change is out!

The special issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, titled ‘Productivity in the East African Coastal Current under climate change has just been published. This issue, has the following articles: i) Majuto Manyilizu, Philip Sagero, Issufo Halo, Shigalla B. Mahongo – A comparative study of ocean surface interannual variability in Northern Tanzania...
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09
Feb

Part-Time Consultant Opportunity: Climate Scientist

The Stimson Center, in partnership with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, is currently conducting two city climate risk assessments in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. Using the Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index (CORVI) methodology, the projects will integrate information and resilience work already underway across the land-seascape, and culminate in innovative new datasets...
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14
Jan

Final reminder to WIOMSA members: Decisions on the WIOMSA General Assembly calendar and extension of the term of the Board

If you have not cast your vote regarding the decision to change the WIOMSA General Assembly calendar and extension of the term of the 7th Board of Trustees, please do so as the deadline is tomorrow, 15th January 2021. For more details, please read here.   Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on...
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04
Jan

A reminder to WIOMSA members: WIOMSA members decide on the WIOMSA General Assembly calendar and extension of the term of the Board

If you have not casted your vote regarding the decision to change the WIOMSA General Assembly calendar and extension of the term of the 7th Board of Trustees, please do so as the deadline is nearer. The deadline for voting is 15th January 2021. For more details, please read here. Share this:Click to share on...
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21
Dec

Issue 12 of the WIOMSA Magazine on Ecosystem Restoration is out!

This second special issue of the WIOMSA magazine whose theme is ecosystem restoration captures the excellent and often under-reported work that is going on across the western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Being released on the eve of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the two latest issues of the Magazine, produced jointly by WIOMSA...
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18
Dec

WIOMSA members decide on the WIOMSA General Assembly calendar and extension of the term of the Board

Are you a paid WIOMSA member? The WIOMSA Board of Trustees took a decision to submit two key decision items to an electronic vote of the WIOMSA Members. Voting is now open to members on the WIOMSA portal. Read about the vote in the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief. Share this:Click to share on...
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15
Dec

The December Newsbrief is out

Read the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief which features articles on the timing of the next WIOMSA General Assembly and the term of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees. We share news from the Marine and Coastal Science for Management (MASMA) programme and the Cities and Coasts project, highlights from newly published papers, regional news,...
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02
Dec

The latest Issue of Litter Catch Up is Out!

The latest issue of the newsletter of the marine litter monitoring programme, Litter Catch Up is out! This issue reports accumulation, riverine, floating, standing stock and benthic surveys carried out between July and October 2020 in Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania. Download the full issue.   Share this:Click to share on Twitter...
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27
Nov

Call for applications: DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Preselection by ZMT

DAAD Doctoral Scholarship for scholars from Sub-Sahara Africa with ZMT on topics of “Adaptation of marine socio-ecological systems to changing environments”!  The Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) advertises 2 doctoral scholarships starting in Fall 2021. Additionally, 2 further doctoral scholarship can be granted starting in 2022. The scholarships will be granted by the DAAD...
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24
Nov

GBF goals on spatial protection – Africa dialogue

Proposed date: 24th of November 2020 Time: 17:00 to 18:30 pm (Nairobi, East Africa Time) Proposed format: Presentation of perspectives and Discussions Workshop venue: Dialogue, using Zoom platform Registration link: https://awf-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYodumsrD0rHt2ICayxxn0yUDRZd_pTH2zy   Download the full announcement.   Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
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19
Nov

New Online Course: Remote Sensing & Mapping for Coral Reef Conservation

The Remote Sensing and Mapping for Coral Reef Conservation Online Course is designed to help marine managers, conservation practitioners, scientists, decision makers, and GIS professionals decide whether remote sensing products and mapping technologies can help inform their conservation and restoration work, and which tools are best suited to their needs. It prominently features the Allen...
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18
Nov

Webinar invitation ‘Scholarships: Challenges and Opportunities for Researchers in the Global South’

Webinar by TCC-Africa on ‘Scholarships: Challenges and Opportunities for Researchers in the Global South’ Description of webinar:  What are the challenges in student financing in the Global South? What opportunities exist for early career researchers (Undergraduate- PostDocs)? What Global partnerships exist to provide scholarships to early career researchers? When? Nov 27, 2020, 12:00 PM East...
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11
Nov

Stimson Center and WIOMSA Partner to Measure Climate Risk in Kenya and Tanzania

Stimson Center and WIOMSA Partner to Measure Climate Risk in Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Stimson’s CORVI assessment tool will help both cities determine their vulnerability to climate change, integrate risks into their decision making, and prioritize actions that can build resilience and access climate finance. WASHINGTON, DC – The Stimson Center and...
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03
Nov

The latest issue of the WIO Journal of Marine Science is out!

The latest issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just been published. This issue, Vol 19, No 1 (2020) has the following articles: i) Vilma Machava-António, Salomão O. Bandeira, Célia C. Macamo, Rosalina Mahanzule – Value chain analysis of mangrove forests in central Mozambique: Uses, stakeholders and income ii) Walter Jabali,...
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26
Oct

Call for submission of discussion papers for the WIO Science to Policy meeting: DEADLINE EXTENDED!

The deadline for submission of Discussion papers for the WIO Science to Policy meeting to be held in February 2021 has been extended to 30 November 2020. For more details on the criteria for reviewing the discussion papers; objectives, structure and themes of the Science to Policy workshop, please download the concept note.    ...
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21
Oct

Online seminar on MSP process for the Kenyan EEZ and nearshore

Invitation to attend online seminar on building institutional and stakeholders capacities on marine spatial planning: Building capacity of institutions and stakeholders involved in the MSP process for the Kenyan EEZ and nearshore!  When? 21-22 October 2020, 9:00-13:30 (GMT+3) Registration day 1: http://on.unesco.org/KE_EEZ1 Registration day 2: http://on.unesco.org/KE_EEZ2 Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new...
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15
Oct

Read the 2019 WIOMSA Annual Report

2019 was a year of remarkable progress and impact for WIOMSA. The 2019 Annual report captures how WIOMSA has worked mindfully and effectively to take advantage of the opportunities presented to work at the intersection of science, management, policy and society in the coastal and marine environment of the Western Indian Ocean region. The various...
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11
Oct

Call for Expressions of Interest Technical Project Evaluators

Blue Action Fund is interested in setting up a network of evaluators of its grant programme. To that effect, it is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified candidates in Eastern and Western Africa and the Eastern Tropical Pacific Regions. With a growing grant portfolio, the objective is to identify a small number of experts in...
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06
Oct

Call for submission of discussion papers for the WIO Science to Policy meeting

In response to the decisions of the Contracting Parties, the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and WIOMSA in collaboration with partners will convene a Science to Policy meeting in February 2021. The meeting will promote the link between science and policy for evidence-based decision making and provide the COP with timely technical advice and policy recommendations for...
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05
Oct

Out now: Guidelines for Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration in the WIO

Seagrass beds are crucial ecosystems providing economic and food security for coastal communities around the globe, including those in the Western Indian Ocean region. A new set of Guidelines on seagrass restoration for the region aim to support the restoration of degraded seagrass beds. The new Guidelines on Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration for the Western Indian...
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28
Sep

The September Newsbrief is out

Are you up to date with the latest happenings at WIOMSA and the region? Take a look at the latest edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief which is full of great and exciting content! Read how WIOMSA projects are responding to COVID- 19, the launch of the WIOMSA Presidential Award, highlights from recently published papers, upcoming...
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25
Sep

Request for Expression of Interest: A review of marine plastic litter in the WIO region

The Group of Experts on Marine Litters and Microplastics is inviting expression of interest from three senior experts each to prepare a report on different aspects of marine litter in the WIO region. The reports will focus on three inter-related studies that will assess (i) the status of marine litter and microplastics knowledge in the...
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25
Sep

New publication! Guidelines for the Assessment of Environmental Flows in the WIO Region

These new guidelines aim to support sustainable management of Western Indian Ocean (WIO) water resources. For many communities living in the WIO region, rivers are an essential resource for food, employment, and energy. The new publication, Guidelines for the Assessment of Environmental Flows in the Western Indian Ocean Region, aims to help communities and governments...
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23
Sep

2021 Call for SCOR Visiting Scholars

The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) support Ph.D. level ocean scientists from developed and developing countries to teach short courses and provide extended on-site education and mentorship at developing country institutions. They are now accepting applications for the 2021 Visiting Scholar program. Applications will be reviewed by the SCOR Committee on Capacity Building based on...
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22
Sep

The Ocean Decade Virtual Series: Ocean and Human Health

The President of WIOMSA, Dr. Jacqueline Uku, will be one of the Global Voices of Ocean and Human Health during the virtual session on ‘Ocean and Human Health’. The session is a part of the Ocean Decade virtual series and is convened by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO in partnership with the Seas, Oceans and Public...
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17
Sep

New publication: State of Ocean Governance in the Western Indian Ocean Region

Yesterday, 16th of September, the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA published a new report on ‘State of Ocean Governance in the Western Indian Ocean Region’. The State of Ocean Governance in the Western Indian Ocean Region reviews the status and trends in ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and identifies key gaps, challenges, and opportunities...
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15
Sep

World’s Leading Aquatic Scientific Societies Urgently Call for Cuts to Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions

WIOMSA has joined the American Fisheries Society (AFS) and 110 other aquatic scientific societies on a statement on the need to take urgent action against human-caused climate change, based on scientific evidence. The societies call for drastically curtailed global greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of man-made climate change to fish and aquatic...
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10
Sep

An Opportunity to Build Back Better: Issue 11 of the WIOMSA Magazine focusing on Ecosystem Restoration is out!

WIOMSA and the Nairobi Convention have jointly produced two issues of the WIOMSA Magazine focusing on restoring damaged coastal ecosystems.  The publication of this issue of the  Magazine in 2020 is quite timely, coinciding with the start of the decade of ecosystem  for which the United Nations has unequivocally reaffirmed that “restoring damaged ecosystems is an efficient...
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23
Aug

New Ocean Sewage Series kicks off

Join the Reef Resilience Network for the first webinar of a series of online activities and events about ocean sewage pollution – an enormous environmental problem that few people are talking about. During the kickoff webinar, Dr. Stephanie Wear of The Nature Conservancy will provide an overview of the issue of ocean sewage pollution; how sewage impacts the well-being...
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21
Aug

Litter Catch Up: The latest Issue is out!

The latest issue of the newsletter of the marine litter monitoring programme, Litter Catch Up is out! This issue reports the on-going marine litter monitoring activities in Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, and South Africa. Download the full issue. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new...
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05
Aug

Your input is needed to inform ocean sewage pollution online resources!

The Reef Resilience Network is developing online resources to support coral reef managers’ understanding of and response to sewage pollution. Their goal is to provide useful content and practical tools to help protect marine ecosystems from the threats of pollution. They now need your help to assess existing perceptions about sewage pollution and provide insight about current activities,...
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05
Aug

Seagrass Conservation through Payment for Ecosystem Services Webinar

Invitation to join a webinar about new Seagrass Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) guidance for how community groups can use PES to plan, fund, and facilitate seagrass conservation projects. See what this work looks like on the ground through Mikoko Pamoja, a community-led mangrove and seagrass conservation and restoration project based in southern Kenya. Speakers:...
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04
Aug

GMES&Africa and Copernicus Marine Earth Observation Online Training Course

Applications are now open for the GMES&Africa and Copernicus Marine Earth Observation Online Training Course. This training is organised by the MarCoSouth GMES&Africa consortia in collaboration with EUMETSAT. The course will take place entirely online and will run in two different phases between 28 September and 16 October 2020. This training course is designed to...
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31
Jul

WIOMSA celebrates Marine Rangers on World Ranger Day

WIOMSA celebrates Marine Rangers on World Ranger Day 31st July 2020 Marine Rangers in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region work tirelessly to protect some of the region’s important marine habitats and species like marine turtles, sharks and dugongs – animals that are also among the most widely targeted by poachers for the illegal wildlife...
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24
Jul

New guidelines aim to support mangrove restoration in the Western Indian Ocean

Launching today – new guidelines to support mangrove restoration in the Western Indian Ocean!  For many coastal communities, including those in the Western Indian Ocean region, mangroves are critical to economic and food security. A new set of guidelines on mangrove restoration for the region aims to support the restoration of its degraded mangrove ecosystems...
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22
Jul

Marine Research Grant (MARG) Programme: Call for Research Proposals under MARG I is out now!

WIOMSA is inviting submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG I) for 2021. The MARG I programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects. From now onwards, calls for MARG I proposals will be issued in the second half of the year,...
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07
Jul

Announcing the launch of the African Marine Litter Monitoring Manual

Today the Western Indian Ocean Science Association (WIOMSA) and Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) introduce the African Marine Litter Monitoring Manual: a guide to monitoring litter from source to sea.  This manual is the result of a joint effort by WIOMSA, which initiated the Western Indian Ocean Litter Monitoring Programme, and the African Marine Waste Network...
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30
Jun

June WIOMSA Newsbrief is out!

Read the latest WIOMSA Newsbrief which features articles on MASMA, MARG and the Cities and Coast Project, six newly published papers, regional news, new publications and the naming of a new genus of sea-cucumber- Chantalia conandae- in honour of the former WIOMSA board member and Honorary Member of WIOMSA Prof. Emeritus Chantal Conand. We hope you...
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12
Jun

Deadline extended for submission to the WIOMSA magazine

The deadline for submission of articles for the special issue of the WIOMSA Magazine on “Restoring damaged WIO Coastal Ecosystems” has been extended until 3rd July 2020!  For the next edition of the WIOMSA Magazine, we are inviting articles on the theme “Restoring damaged WIO Coastal Ecosystems”. Restoration of coastal ecosystems is regarded as a viable...
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09
Jun

WIOMSA publishes two reports on science to policy uptake

WIOMSA as a partner of the MeerWissen: African-German Partners for Ocean Knowledge programme (funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development-BMZ-and implemented with support from GIZ), is pleased to announce the publication of two reports: i) Enhancing Science-to-Policy Uptake in the Western Indian Ocean Region: Background Document and Guidelines on Effective Science...
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08
Jun

WIOMSA wishes you all a Happy World Oceans Day 2020!

Monday, June 8, 2020, is World Oceans Day. Although this is a celebration, this year it is also time for us to reflect as individuals, as citizens and as members of a global community. This has been a strange year worldwide, when a Pandemic has pushed all other thoughts from our minds. Read the press release...
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04
Jun

The 10th Issue of the WIOMSA Magazine is out!

The edition is the second part of a series inspired by the Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) based on the theme “Breaking the class ceiling; Stories from women who are making a difference in coastal and marine resource management”.  The editor, Rebecca Loustau-Lalanne, sums up this special issue that comes to you in the midst...
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