Blog

The Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (IPFC) is accepting nominations for the Bleeker Awards for 2021. The award, named after Pieter Bleeker, honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of ichthyology in the Indo-Pacific. Two awards in ichthyology will be conferred; one for distinguished contributions to Systematics and one for distinguished contributions to Ecology....Read More

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), in collaboration with the University of Comoros and the University of Dar es Salaam (Institute of Marine Sciences and the College of Agriculture Sciences and Fisheries Technology), are organizing a Regional Training Workshop on “The Use of Underwater Camera Systems to Sample Benthic Invertebrate Communities of the Western Indian...Read More

SPC Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division has just published seven new publications: i) The SPC Fisheries Address Book 2020, which lists over 1500 fisheries-related contacts. It is updated every year. ii) Four reports to support gender-responsive programming approaches to fisheries and aquaculture in:  Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu iii) A Regional Framework on Aquatic Biosecurity to provide regional guidance...Read More

The IOI-SA will be running the annual course in Ocean Governance for Africa in collaboration with the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and other partners, from the 7th September to the 2nd October 2020. The course will be held in Cape Town, South Africa.  The deadline for...Read More

The One Planet Fellowship Created in December 2017 at Emmanuel Macron’s One Planet Summit, the One Planet Fellowship aims to create a community of African and European researchers working on climate change adaptation in Africa’s agricultural sector. This five-year program is supported by the BNP Paribas and Bill & Melinda Gates foundations, the European Commission...Read More

GERICS (HZG), within the frame of the INNOVA project and in collaboration with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), is planning a regional training event on the use of Systems Dynamics to understand and plan mainstreaming climate change adaptation and coastal management making use of innovative climate services in the Western Indian Ocean...Read More

In December 2019, scientists announced the approval of 37 new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) in the Western Indian Ocean and Arabian Seas. The new IMMAs highlight key habitats for various threatened marine mammal species, including endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, and the threatened dugong. IMMAs are an important first step toward greater protection efforts,...Read More

The Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) Bremen in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the National Institute of Aquatic Resources in Denmark (DTU Aqua) and the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) Zanzibar are organizing a two week training course on the assessment of stock status and the...Read More

ICLEI Africa, with the support from the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), is hosting an interactive and participatory four-day regional training workshop where coastal cities in Africa can begin to develop Climate Change Adaptation Action Plans (CCAPs) with a specific focus on coasts. These action plans are the first and essential step in...Read More

The WIOMSA Board of Trustees has appointed Arthur Tuda as the new Executive Secretary effective 1st February 2020. Arthur will take over the wheels of WIOMSA as part of the succession plan of the Association. The outgoing Executive Secretary, Julius Francis will remain as an advisor for few months to ensure a smooth transition. Arthur...Read More

WIOMSA is inviting expressions of interest to host the Twelfth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium from all the countries in the region including those that have hosted the symposium before. The twelfth Symposium is scheduled to be held in the second half of 2022, preferably in October or November 2022. The deadline for submission of expressions of...Read More

The latest issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just been published. This issue, Vol 18, No 2 (2019) has the following articles: i) Francis P. Mmanda, Jan Erik Lindberg, Anna N. Haldén, Torbjorn Lundh – Mineral content in local feed ingredients used by fish farmers in four different regions of...Read More

In December 2019, the Kenya Government in collaboration with UNDP organized the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Regional Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya under the “Protect, Produce, Prosper” theme. The meeting was attended by 91 participants. The meeting report proposes A Call to Action, from the WIO Regional Bloc, to...Read More

Are you a young marine scientist from the Western Indian Ocean region? We would like to hear from you! The WIO Early Career Scientist Network (ECSN) has been operational since 2015. Recently, it was agreed that the Network will operate under WIOMSA. In this regard, WIOMSA has commissioned a study to assess the needs and...Read More

The second issue of the newsletter Litter Catch Up is out! This newsletter focuses on reporting on the on-going marine litter monitoring activities in seven WIO countries, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and Tanzania. Download the full Issue. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...Read More

13 Nov 2019 to 15 Nov 2020 Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) will be offering a number of shipboard fellowship opportunities onboard research vessels during 2019/2020. This programme is designed to promote training and capacity building leading towards a global observation scheme for the oceans. For more details, read here. Share this:Click to...Read More

WIOMSA in collaboration with UN-Habitat, has contracted Arup to develop a working document on ‘Coastal Cities of the Western Indian Ocean and the Blue Economy’ and a ‘Roadmap for the Development of the Blue Economy’ in Coastal Cities. This Roadmap aims to provide strategic guidance and recommendations to help cities in current and future planning...Read More

The preregistrations for the VLIR-UOS scholarship for the Master of Science in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management (‘Oceans and Lakes’) for 2020-2022 are now open! More info on our website: http://www.oceansandlakes.be/node/28 Deadline of the application: 1 February 2020. Hear about the story of a few of our VLIR-UOS alumni in the video below (made in...Read More

Read the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief. The December Newsbrief features articles on WIOMSA’s  annual grantees meeting, news from the Cities and Coast and MASMA competitive grant initiatives, a story on the role of the Western Indian Ocean in the first ever Marine Regions Forum in Berlin,  the kick off meeting of the WIOGEN project, a global study...Read More

The Rhodes University Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science (DIFS) in collaboration with WIOMSA are offering the first University-accredited regional Introductory MPA Management Training Course which will be run from the 30th March to the 3rd April 2020 at the Rhodes University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The deadline for submission of application is 16h00 (SAST,...Read More

WIOMSA, through its Cities and Coasts project, is announcing calls for research proposals to conduct research and to support the organization of training courses/workshops. For detailed instructions on these grants, download the full announcement for the calls and the guidelines for preparing proposals. The deadline for submission of proposals is 1 March 2020. Applications should be completed and support...Read More

WIOMSA through the MASMA programme, is pleased to announce two calls: i) A call for research proposals ii) A call for proposals to support organizations of training courses/workshops and Publications of books/manuals. Please read the instructions carefully and prepare your proposals accordingly. Proposals prepared not according to the format will not be reviewed. Download the...Read More

The Women in Marine Science Network (WiMS) has inspired the release of two special editions of the WIOMSA Magazine featuring the stories of women working in the marine and coastal field in the Western Indian Ocean region and beyond. Breaking the class ceiling: stories from women who are making a difference in coastal and marine...Read More

WIOMSA is inviting submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG) Program for 2020. The MARG programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects and also offers opportunity for presentation of research results at various regional and international fora. Please note that, applications...Read More

The aim of this conference is to provide a forum for a wide range of ocean experts and stakeholders to engage with the latest developments impacting on ocean governance from developmental, ecosystem-based and human-rights-based approaches, before starting to reflect and give direction on what transformed and transformative ocean governance means and requires. Confirmed speakers include...Read More

Read the latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief which features articles on  various marine litter initiatives in the region, the development of the Western Indian Ocean Governance Strategy, news from the cities and coasts and MARG project grantees,  meetings and workshops that have taken place in the region, the release of  WIO Journal of Marine Science Volume 18...Read More

In the WIOMSA Marine Litter Workshop held in April 2019 in Mombasa, Kenya, it was agreed that a a quarterly newsletter be established to report on the progress of implementation of the marine litter projects in seven countries. The first issue of the Litter Catch Up was published in October 2019. The Newsletter is a...Read More

South African Marine Sciences Symposium (SAMSS) 6-9 July 2020 | Elangeni Hotel, Durban Please find attached the first announcement of the South African Marine Sciences Symposium (SAMSS) which will be held in Durban during 6-9 July 2020. The conference theme is 20/20 vision: Marine Science for the future South Africa. 6 July: Workshops and Courses...Read More

About Dahari Founded in February 2013 following a five-year pilot project, Dahari has quickly established itself as one of the leading NGOs in the Comoros with a multicultural team of 75 full- and part-time employees. Dahari’s holistic intervention model covers agricultural and agro-forestry development, forest management around watersheds, ecological research, conservation of biodiversity, and the...Read More

As 2018 marked WIOMSA’s 25th Anniversary, the Annual report features an inspiring ” Word from the WIOMSA President”chronicling the key success factors and major achievements of WIOMSA and the new directions for the Association. The report outlines the projects and activities that the Association undertook in 2018 including governance and strategic decisions, strengthening scientific research for...Read More

23rd-24th January 2020: Africa 2030 – Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to handle the Challenges of a Changing Environment, Nairobi, Kenya 3rd SYMPOSIUM ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AFRICA It is widely known that Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change. As the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) produced by the...Read More

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) is currently accepting applications for 2020 Conservation Awards! CLP awards are offered to teams of early-career conservationists to conduct projects on species that are categorized as Data Deficient, Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Team members should have less than 5 years’ professional experience in the conservation sector and projects...Read More

The DANIEL JOUVANCE FOUNDATION, in collaboration with the Sorbonne University (F) and the University of Namibia (UNAM), will organize the 4th International School in Marine Biology at the Sam Nujoma Campus, University of Namibia, Henties Bay, Namibia from January 26th to February 1rst, 2020. The Daniel Jouvance – SU International School in Marine Biology is...Read More

This is to inform you that the last date for submission of abstracts to the International Indian Ocean Science Conference (IIOSC) is extended up to 15 November, 2019. You are invited to submit abstracts relevant to Indian Ocean for scientific sessions spread over 14 themes (https://iiosc2020.incois.gov.in/IIOSC2020/TechnicalSessions.jsp). Papers/abstracts highlighting societal relevance of the research work are encouraged....Read More

Location: Can be based in either Dakar-Senegal, Accra-Ghana, Nairobi- Kenya in or Cambridge-UK Full time Contract: 2 year fixed term (renewable)   BirdLife International is inviting applications for the position of Marine Programme Coordinator, who will lead the Marine Programme of the BirdLife Africa Secretariat in collaboration with the BirdLife International’s Marine Programme (BIMP). View...Read More

Providing early career support to promising young Low and Lower Middle Income Countries (LLMIC) researchers has been the mandate of the International Foundation for Science (IFS) for many years. IFS continues its commitment by providing tailored research capacity-enhancing support to promising early career scientists based around the provision of individual Basic Grants. To secure IFS...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) in partnership with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute (KMFRI) and the Nairobi Convention through the GEF-funded project ‘Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the WIO from land-based sources and activities (WIOSAP)’ are organizing a regional training workshop on use of constructed wetlands...Read More

Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its latest issue, Vol 18, No 1 (2019) with the following articles: i) Maurice O. Obiero, Cyprian O. Odoli, Peter O. Odote, Raymond K. Ruwa, Maurice O. Omega – Shelf life assessment of hot smoked African catfish stored under different storage conditions from Lake Kenyatta,...Read More

WIOMSA Magazine: Breaking the glass ceiling: stories from women who are making a difference in coastal and marine resource management The WIOMSA Magazine has been a popular publication for many years. The Magazine is written with the general public as the main target group. The magazine is not a scientific publication but instead offers a...Read More

From a previous MASMA project on Sea Cucumbers: Over the last few years, the demand for sea cucumbers from Asian countries has literally exploded, obliging the manufacturers to produce more and more. In many producing countries, the number of sea cucumbers has diminished noticeably. Madagascar is not an exception to that rule. Helped by International...Read More

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS ZMT/IOI Winter School on “Ocean Governance for Sustainable Marine Ecosystems” from Feb 16-21, 2020 in Bremen/Germany. The interdisciplinary Winter School hosted by ZMT (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research) and the IOI (International Ocean Institute) will train around 25 international scholars to develop solutions for a sustainable governance of the Ocean. Highlights...Read More

The South African Institute of International Affairs is developing a science-to-policy uptake guidance document for the Western Indian Marine Science Association through the project MeerWissen: African-German Partners for Ocean Knowledge. They wish to develop a practical, user-friendly document that draws on the experiences of researchers and the policy community in the region (and beyond). For this...Read More

WIOMSA in partnership with Macquarie University and Hexagon Geospatial are organizing a training workshop on the application of geospatial technology for sustainable and smart coastal cities. The training workshop is slated for Mombasa Kenya from the 2nd to the 7th December 2019. The workshop is organized with the financial support of the Government of Sweden...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and UN-Habitat are inviting proposals from senior consultants to prepare and develop a Status Report, Regional Action Plan and Roadmap on “The Blue Economy and Coastal Cities of the Western Indian Ocean Region”. Download the full call. The deadline for submission of the bid is the 27th...Read More

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO is offering a limited number of travel grants to support participation of early career scientists (age below 35 years) in conferences and symposia in 2019. Applications should be submitted to Mika Odido (m.odido@unesco.org) not later than 25 September 2019, and must include: Detailed CV, including: Biodata (personal details), employment...Read More

Call for applications a new for OCG Leadership Development Role The Joint WMO-IOC Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Observations Coordination Group (OCG) (link) is creating a new sponsored membership role in its Executive Team. The aim of this new role is to support leadership development in ocean observing from countries that are in...Read More

DAAD is the initiativ of the German Academic Exchange service in the field of climate change and protection, read more at www.daad.de The Climate research Alumni and Postdocs in Africa (CLAP Africa) program brings high-potential African researchers in climate change research and protection together with African alumni of German funding initiatives. It seeks to catalyze...Read More

The abstract submission for the International Indian Ocean Science Conference (IIOSC) 2020 is now open! The conference will take place in Goa, India, on 16-20 March 2020. You can submit abstracts relevant to the Indian Ocean for scientific sessions spread over 14 different themes. You can read more about the different themes here: https://iiosc2020.incois.gov.in/IIOSC2020/TechnicalSessions.jsp). The...Read More

Over the past 18 months, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) has implemented a project that seeks to support ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in Southern Africa. The objective of the project is to enhance the climate resilience of the Southern African region by strengthening the role of marine and coastal EbA in national climate...Read More

The Joint WMO-IOC Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Observations Coordination Group (OCG) (link) is creating a new sponsored membership role in its Executive Team. The aim of this new role is to support leadership development in ocean observing from countries that are in the process of developing their ocean observing capacity, including Small...Read More

Call for applications: OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) Training Course: Marine GIS Applications, 28 October – 1 November, 2019, in Mombasa, Kenya Course Overview Satellite data are particularly powerful when combined with data from other sources, such as in situ measurements or geographic or socio-economic information, whilst Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a powerful tool for...Read More

We are delighted to present our Newsbrief for June/July 2019. In this edition we feature articles from the 11th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium that recently took place in Mauritius as well as articles on Dr Jacqueline Uku´s N.K. Panikkar Memorial Lecture, MARG-I outcomes, meetings and workshops that have taken place in the region, the release of...Read More

Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme 2020-2021- Applications Now Open The Ireland-Africa Fellows Programme will this year offer a select number of future leaders and influencers from Tanzania the opportunity to study for a prestigious Master’s degree in Ireland. If successful, you will live and study at some of the top education and learning centres in the world,...Read More

A new publication on Information access and knowledge exchange in co-managed coral reef fisheries is now out! This publication might be useful for researchers and managers interested in knowing how information is accessed and shared amongst marine and coastal resources users. The publication is one of the outputs from the collaboration with Dr. Michele Barnes ARC Centre of...Read More

The Nairobi Convention in collaboration with the IUCN-chaired Ocean Acidification international Reference User Group (OAiRUG) and the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) are organizing the Indian Ocean Regional Ocean Acidification workshop that will be held in Zanzibar, Tanzania on 28th and 29th October, 2019. Applications to attend the workshop are invited from regional...Read More

This week a new publication on “Social–environmental drivers inform strategic management of coral reefs in the Anthropocene” by Darling et al, was published in the Nature Ecology and Evolution Journal. Over 80 marine scientists has worked together analysing 2500 reef systems across 44 countries.  From the press release by the Wildlife Conservation Society: A NEW...Read More

Every three years since 1981 the World Association of Copepodologists (WAC) holds an international conference called the International Conference on Copepoda or the “ICOC.” These have become the most important global gatherings for all researchers and students of copepods. Each conference gives participants the chance to meet fellow researchers, talk with students and experts, borrow...Read More

WIOMSA was established as a regional, non-profit, membership organization in 1993 and registered in Zanzibar, Tanzania in 1994 as a non-governmental organization. This means that WIOMSA this year celebrates 25 years. In honour of this WIOMSA has produced a 25-year anniversary video. In this video, you will be able to meet some of the persons...Read More

The First Issue of the Symposium Newsletter is out with several interesting articles and important announcements. The deadline for submission of articles for Issue 2 of the WIOMSA Symposium newsletter is 2nd July 2019. Send your articles and photos to secretary@wiomsa.org. Download the full issue. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click...Read More

We will be producing two issues of Symposium Newsletter, prior to and during the Symposium as we did in the previous symposia. The objective of the Newsletter is to provide an avenue for participants and interested parties to communicate information to delegates on news items, book launches, bursaries, courses, student adverts, invitations to special sessions,...Read More

Do you have the qualifications, skills and expertise to work for a dynamic organization leading grass-roots marine resource conservation and management efforts in Tanzania? Are you interested in a holistic approach to sustainable marine resource use that recognizes the linkages between people and their environment? Do you have experience in coordinating and managing organizational activities...Read More

IUCN  Tanzania is seeking for  motivated Interns to support the implementation of the Forest component of the PLUS and RESUPPLY Projects. #4099 – Intern – Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Duty Station: Tanzania Project Office, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania Employment terms: Locally recruited position Application deadline: 25 June 2019 To see the...Read More

World Ocean’s day is here! This week we have been sharing some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes and now its time for the last one.  The challenge of the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in communities of greater dependence on natural resources – Case of Bons Sinais Estuary (Mozambique). ...Read More

World Ocean’s day is here! This week we have been sharing some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes and today we will share with you two last articles.  Regional efforts at promotion and conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean.   By James Mwaluma   Coastal communities in...Read More

Tomorrow is World Ocean’s day! This week we will share some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes.  Understanding sediments accumulations and the importance of regional collaboration in tackling scientific needs.   By Gilbert Owato  The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region has very rich and diverse marine resources becoming the second Biodiversity...Read More

World Ocean’s day is fast approaching! This week we will share some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes.  Community initiative to restore mangroves of Bay of Assassins: experience from the south-west of Madagascar By Cicelin RAKOTOMAHAZO – PhD   Walking down to this amazing place just at the shore of the...Read More

Today we are proud to announce the launch of a new WIOMSA Video: Women in Marine Science!  In this video you will have the opportunity to listen to some of the many inspiring women in the WIOMSA community and hear their thoughts on being a Woman in Marine Science. Watch the video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4j7IaCX1SE  ...Read More

World Ocean’s day is fast approaching! This week we will share some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes.  Secret garden under the sea, what are we doing to conserve them? Article by: Blandina Lugendo Seagrasses, the flowering plants of the sea. Like land (terrestrial) plants, seagrasses are among key components...Read More

World Ocean’s day is fast approaching! This week we will share some short articles from current grantees under WIOMSA’s MASMA and MARG programmes.  Threats of microplastics pollution to the marine ecosystem of Tanzanian coastal waters Bahati Sosthenes Mayoma (1)*, Farhan R. Khan (2), Salum Hemed (1), Moses Joel Shimba (1)  Plastic pollution is one of...Read More

Registrations for the upcoming 11th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium is now open. Registration fees; 150 USD for paid WIOMSA members. 75 USD for students (does not include Post Docs) 200 USD for non WIOMSA members. The registration fee includes; Lunch on 1st-5th July 2019 Opening and closing ceremony evening events Airport transfers on 29th June ,  30th June,...Read More

The WIOMSA Scientific Symposium photo competition is here again! The theme of this year’s photo competition is “People, Coasts and Oceans: Opportunities for a changing future” They say a picture is worth a thousand words- share your story through the lens of your camera! Entries can be on any topic of your choice related to coastal...Read More

A publication ‘Local Management of Marine Resources: A Guide for Communities in Kenya and Mainland Tanzania is out. This publication available in both English and Kiswahili, has been published and is designed to provide guidance to community members and resource users who wish to manage their own natural resources by developing a strategy for local...Read More

Quirimbas National Park, northern Mozambique, photo by Romy Chevallier Uniting around a global call to see oceans managed more sustainably, more than 500 people will gather in Maputo this week (23-24 May 2019) to attend an international oceans conference hosted by the Government of Mozambique. Envisaged to become a biennial event, this international dialogue will...Read More

The deadline for submitting applications for the position of Executive Secretary has been extended 17 May 2019. For more details about the position, please download the detailed TORs. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The Global Network on Environment and Oil and Gas is pleased to invite you to register for the upcoming Executive Webinar on ‘Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations’. This webinar will take place on 30 April 2019 from 13:00-14:30 hrs (Geneva Time). Also, you are kindly requested to please share this...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) is inviting applications for the position of Executive Secretary. For the position, the Association is looking for an individual with experience in project/programme management, management of a team; including experts and support staff. The Executive Secretary should be familiar with the coordination of volunteer networks and working...Read More

The Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) is calling for expressions of interest for tuna-related research studies, under SWIOFish project. The studies are “Research on oceanographic factors influencing tuna and tuna-like species in the Tanzanian waters” and “Undertaking an analysis if the stock structure and genetics connectivity of tuna and tuna-like species in the Tanzanian waters“, The...Read More

Read the latest WIOMSA Newsbrief, which rounds up new projects, news, and events. Some of the highlights of the Newsbrief include the launch of the WiMS website, monitoring ocean acidification in the WIO region and the launch of Miji Bora Project. We also feature the historic maiden voyage of the FlipFlopi, a profile of Refiloe Mofokeng’s work on plastics, and Rima Beesoo’s...Read More

The Seychelles president has gone below the surface of the Indian Ocean to call for better protection for the world’s seas. Danny Faure said that a healthy ocean was “crucial for the survival of humanity” in a broadcast made 124m (406ft) below sea level. He had joined a British-led expedition exploring the ocean’s depths. Last...Read More

The Nairobi Convention Secretariat are delighted to share with you the first issue of the Nairobi Convention Newsletter of 2019, which includes updates on what countries in the Western Indian Ocean region are doing to protect, manage, and develop their coastal and marine environment through various projects executed by the Convention. You can access it...Read More

The 11th WIOMSA Symposium brings together inspiring keynote presentations covering interesting topical issues such as fishery decline and human nutrition; natural capital accounting, women’s role in fisheries and blue economy. Click on https://symposium.wiomsa.org/keynote-speakers/ to read their short biographies and abstracts. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...Read More

Macquarie University (MQU) and Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) https://www.wiomsa.org partnership, with support from Macquarie University DVC is currently seeking a suitably qualified Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This position is tailored towards an enterprising Postdoctoral Researcher interested in engaging in interdisciplinary research. Download the full announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in...Read More

The University of Kwa Zulu Natal (UKZN) and the Oceanographic Research institute (ORI) in Durban are inviting applications for a PhD studentship to investigate the physiological and transcriptional basis of resilience of corals to stress.  The student will be based at the Oceanographic Research Institute at uShaka Marine World in Durban, South Africa and registered...Read More

Mwambao Coastal Community Network (Mwambao) is an independent not for profit organisation registered in both mainland Tanzania and in Zanzibar. Mwambao is seeking to employ a Marine Co-management Field Officer to lead the field-based implementation of a project that seeks to improve marine resource co-management in Unguja. This project is being delivered in partnership with...Read More

Coral reef managers are increasingly turning to restoration as a strategy to combat reef degradation and promote reef recovery. As a result, different techniques are being used across the globe, making it difficult to choose the right approach for your location’s specific needs and capabilities. The Reef Resilience Network Restoration Mentored Online Course is designed...Read More

The Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), a scientific organisational entity of Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, invites applications for a Post Doctoral (m/f/d), starting as soon as possible, in the project CoastalCS@GERICS. This project is funded under the HZG I2B call. The position is limited to 36 months. Read the full post doctoral...Read More

Corales de Paz is pleased to invite applications for its Leaders in Coral Reef Restoration Training Workshop, to be held at the Reef Rescuers Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness & Learning (CORAL) in Praslin Island (Seychelles) between 1 and 10 June 2019. The purpose of the training is to provide hands-on, in-water experience on what...Read More

Today, on International Women’s day, the Network of Women in Marine Science are proud to announce the launch of their brand-new website wims.wiomsa.org ! We hope you will like the website as much as we do! Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

A Scientific Study titled Global baselines and benchmarks for fish biomass: comparing remote reefs and fisheries closures, (Tim McClanahan et al) has just been published in the Marine Ecology Progress Series (MEPS), a leading journal in the field covering all aspects of marine ecology, fundamental and applied. Below is an excerpt from the introduction. Introduction Measurable...Read More

The Ninth Conference of Parties to the Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment for the WIO region (Nairobi Convention) held in Mombasa, Kenya in August 2018, requested the Secretariat, in collaboration and cooperation WIOMSA and other partners, to establish a marine litter regional technical working group in the...Read More

A Guide to the sea slugs of the Maputaland Coast, co-authored by  Jenny Strömvoll and Georgina Jones is soon to be published in the coming days. The book, which is supported by WIOMSA, is a guide to the sea slugs found along the Maputaland Coast, that runs from St. Lucia in the south to Maputo in the...Read More

The Mwalimu Nyerere Professorial Chair on Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with the Institute of Resource Assessment (IRA), Center for Climate Change Studies (CCCS) of the University of Dar es Salaam and the Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ACCAI) network is delighted to announce an International Conference which will take place at the University of...Read More

The Government of United Republic of Tanzania has received a Credit from the International Development Association (IDA) towards the cost of South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and   Shared Growth program – SWIOFish and intends to apply part of the proceeds for payments under the contract for Consultancy service for Development of a Tuna Management...Read More

The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) is hosting a workshop on the software package Primer and PERMANOVA+.  PRIMER has become the global standard in software tools for nonparametric multivariate analysis while PERMANOVA+ takes dissimilarity-based analyses to a whole new level: to multi-factorial designs, discriminant analysis, model-selection, and beyond. This Advanced PRIMER 7 / PERMANOVA+ workshop is one week...Read More

Eight scientists and conservationists from around the world have been named the 2019 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. These individuals and their projects were selected for their significant promise in protecting a diverse group of marine species and habitats. One of these scientists who was selected is from the Western Indian Ocean...Read More

What is beachcombing? Anyone who spends time beside the sea knows there’s a wealth of ‘treasure’ to be found, be it natural or manufactured, living or washed up. Beachcombing in South Africa is a friendly guide to the seashore’s rich pickings. Short chapters such as Floaters and drifters, Sea-beans, Sponges, Eggs and egg cases, and...Read More

ERACOMA, in collaboration with the South Eastern Kenya University, Machakos University, the University of Nairobi, Kenya Wildlife Services, Cambridge University (UK) and University of Algarve (Portugal) are organizing a Regional Training Workshop on “Quantification and Valuation of Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Services”, that will be held in Mombasa, Kenya from 27th May 2019 to 1st...Read More

Today was to have been the deadline for abstract submission for WIOMSA’s 11th Scientific Symposium. However, due to an overwhelming amount of requests for additional time to prepare abstracts, the deadline has been extended to the 15th of February. To submit your abstract follow these steps: Go to http://abstract.wiomsa.org  > User home > author > new...Read More

The Equator Prize 2019 will be awarded to outstanding community and indigenous initiatives that are advancing nature-based solutions for local sustainable development. Each winning group will receive USD 10,000 and will be invited to participate in a series of policy dialogues and special events during the United Nations General Assembly and the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit...Read More

During the Eleventh WIOMSA Scientific Symposium that will be held in Mauritius from 1st to 6th July 2019, one of the dates has been set aside for special sessions. This will be on the 5th of July. These sessions are convened by projects / programmes and organisations to discuss topical issues that are of global and regional...Read More

The Danielle de St Jorre Scholarship is currently open for application for the 2019 training programme. This scholarship helps fund the participation of one woman from a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the International Ocean Institute’s (IOI) two-month interdisciplinary course on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management. Since 2000 the IOI has awarded an...Read More

WIOMSA, through its Cities and Coasts project, is announcing calls for research proposals to conduct research and to support the organization of training courses/workshops.The deadline for submission of proposals is 15 March 2019. Applications should be completed and support documents uploaded at http://proposals.wiomsa.org/cities-coasts-overview/cities-coasts-proposals/. Questions for clarification on these calls, be sent by email to secretary@wiomsa.org....Read More

A lack of accurate maps is a big problem in parts of Africa: for disaster relief agencies, local authorities and people looking for safe places to build homes. Could cheap survey drones and local volunteers help plug the gaps? Khadija Abdulla Ali is an unlikely drone pilot in the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar. Read the...Read More

The planet’s oceans are warming a lot quicker than estimated, highlighting the perils of unchecked climate change, according to a new study published in Science. Climate change from human activities mainly results from the energy imbalance in Earth’s climate system caused by rising concentrations of heat-trapping gases. About 93% of the energy imbalance accumulates in...Read More

The Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway and EAF-Nansen Program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs: Oceans & Coasts, South Africa and Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute are...Read More

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development will be from 2021 to 2030 , with the theme The Ocean We Need for the Future We Want. The Decade will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new foundation, across the science-policy interface, to strengthen the management of our oceans and coasts for...Read More

The deadline for applying for the position of the WIOMSA Executive Secretary has been extended to 15 January 2019. Download the original announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

Abstracts for the Eleventh WIOMSA Scientific Symposium can now be submitted online at http://abstract.wiomsa.org/index.php/wiomsa/11WSS. Please follow the online submission instructions as described in this note. Abstracts must be submitted no later than 31st January 2019. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

WIOMSA through the MASMA programme, is pleased to announce two calls: i) Research proposals ii) Proposals to support organisation of training courses/workshops and Publications of books/manuals. Please be note that the format for preparing proposals and some of the criteria have been changed so please read the instructions carefully and prepare your proposals accordingly. Proposals...Read More

The Newly elected Chairperson of the  Network of Women in Marine Science (WiMS) was last weekend featured in one of the top Seychelles local daily newspapers, the  NATION. Ms Veronica  Bristol, was elected to this post alongside other newly elected officials during a meeting held in Nairobi between the 11th and 12th of December. The interim leadership will lead...Read More

The latest issue of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science (WIOJMS) is now out. The articles in the latest issue of the WIO Journal of Marine Science have Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs), which is a common feature in most of the Journals. DOIs are attached to journal articles, datasets, video, audio, theses, dissertations, and...Read More

The Rising from the Depths Network are happy to announce that our second call for funding applications is now live. We are accepting applications for small (up to £5,000), medium (£5,000 to £30,000) and large (£30,000 to £50,000) grants. The call is open from now until the 15 February 2019 at 5pm UK time, applications...Read More

WIOMSA seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Executive Secretary. The Executive Secretary is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Association, and coordinates and plans the Association’s strategic activities and programming to ensure that human, financial and technical resources are in place to carry out the Association’s mandate. The...Read More

The International Ocean Institute’s flagship interdisciplinary training programme has been conducted at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia each summer since being initiated by Elisabeth Mann Borgese in 1981. This two-month programme on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management emphasises the importance of viewing the ocean as a system with varied users and multiple, often...Read More

Opening Date: Friday, 2 November, 2018 Closing Date: Saturday, 31 August, 2019 The Belmont Forum, in collaboration with Future Earth and JPI Oceans, is launching a call for proposals on “Transdisciplinary Research for Ocean Sustainability”. The call is aiming at bringing together researchers and other expertise across the globe to innovate solutions to accelerate sustainable...Read More

WIOMSA is inviting submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG) Program for 2019. The MARG programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects and also offers opportunity for presentation of research results at various regional and international fora. Please note that, applications...Read More

The Government of Kenya and UNDP Kenya invites our global community to contribute content towards a planned co-created photography and film festival which will be held at the sidelines of Sustainable Blue Economy Conference 26 – 28 November 2018. Download the full announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the University of Mauritius, and the Nairobi Convention are pleased to announce the 11th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium to be held in Mauritius from 1-6 July 2019. The week is divided into the following: 1th- 4th July 2019 – The main part of the Symposium. This component will...Read More

We are pleased to announce the release of the WIOMSA Annual Report for 2017. The report highlights a myriad of projects and activities undertaken in 2017 on several fronts including science to policy initiatives, partnerships, capacity development and research. Activities of special note in 2017 were WIOMSA’s participation in the Ocean Conference, the development of...Read More

Applications have recently opened for a new programme of fellowships aimed at researchers who are working to combat marine plastics pollution, open exclusively to PhD students and post-PhD researchers at ACU member institutions. The ACU Blue Charter Fellowships provide funding of up to £10,000 GBP for 2-3 month research visits hosted by any of the...Read More

CORDIO is recruiting a Programme Manager and a Senior Scientist. The Programme Manager will be responsible for coordinating, monitoring and reporting on all project activities implemented by CORDIO while the Senior Scientist will be responsible for fish ecology and coastal fisheries research, conservation and management activities. Application deadline: 2nd November 2018 Share this:Click to share...Read More

Sea Sense, a marine conservation NGO in Tanzania, is looking for a new Executive Director; due to growth over the past few years, the organisation is undergoing restructuring. Whilst a candidate familiar with marine conservation in East Africa will be preferred, and Sea Sense will certainly also be looking at candidates within Tanzania, there is...Read More

The WIOSAP Project has issued two consultancies: Position: Climate Change Specialist – Mangroves, Seagrass and Coral Reefs Link:  https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=104412   Position: Valuation Expert – Methodologies Guidelines for Coastal & Marine Ecosystems Link:  https://careers.un.org/lbw/jobdetail.aspx?id=104479 Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

At the beginning of September, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, the President of Madagascar, attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. It was announced during this visit that the two countries had finalised a 10 year investment agreement, entered into between the Malagasy Agency for Economic Development and Promotion of Enterprises, and the Chinese business...Read More

The deadline for submission of proposals to undertake marine litter monitoring programmes from institutions in the WIO region has been extended until 17 October, 2018. Download the full announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its first regular issue of 2018, Volume 17 (1). The Issue contains nine articles, which could be viewed and downloaded from https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wiojms. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The 28th issue of the Women in Fisheries Bulletin, which highlights gender roles in coastal fisheries and development, and women’s fishing activities in urban and rural communities. Download the Issue. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

WIOMSA in partnership with the African Marine Waste Network (AMWN), is calling for proposals to undertake marine litter monitoring programmes from institutions in the WIO region. Deadline for submission of proposals: 12 October 2018 For more details, download the full announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook...Read More

BirdLife International is seeking to recruit the Head of Conservation Division and the Vulture Conservation Manager. The deadline for submission of applications for the two positions is 10 September 2018. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

English Are you a woman in marine sciences from the Western Indian Ocean region? We’d like to hear from you! In October 2017, WIOMSA, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, launched a Network of Women in Marine Sciences to provide women in marine sciences with a platform to share experiences, challenges and solutions, celebrate...Read More

KINDLY NOTE: THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT AND PREVIOUS APPLICANTS WHO HAVE ALREADY APPLIED WILL BE CONSIDERED AND DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY THIS POSITION IS NOW AN INTERNATIONALLY RECRUITED POSITION OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES. EXPATRIATE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT DO APPLY. POSITION WILL BE BASED IN EITHER NAIROBI,KENYA OR DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA....Read More

The deadline for submission of applications to attend the Regional Workshop on ‘Marine Organisms Response to Climate Change Effects – Adaptation or Extinction?’ has been extended until 31 August, 2018. Download the full announcement. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the University of Mauritius are pleased to announce the Eleventh WIOMSA Scientific Symposium which will be held in Mauritius from 8-13 July 2019. Detailed announcement and call for abstracts will be issued soon. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on...Read More

Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its latest issue, Special Issue 1/2018 – Humpback Whales in the Western Indian Ocean. We invite you to view the Table of Contents and then access full articles at https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wiojms. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...Read More

Level 2 (L208) WIO-COMPAS is pleased to announce the offering of Level 2 Certification for MPA Managers, Assistant Managers, Site managers, Wardens, Deputy Wardens or Section Rangers. The Certification Assessment Event will be held on the 24-29 September 2018. Application documents are available for download here: Level 2 Call For Applications and Level 2 Application...Read More

DST/NRF SARChI Research Chair: Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy Department of Environmental and Geographical Science University of Cape Town, South Africa Closing date for applications: 31 August, 2018 Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research fellowship on the bio-economy, beginning January, 2019. The position forms part of the SARChI Research Chair held by...Read More

The Blue Carbon Module compiles the latest scientific guidance and tools to help managers, researchers, practitioners, and governments understand how blue carbon can be measured and utilized to promote conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Specifically, we explore: • What is blue carbon? • Guidance for developing and implementing a blue carbon project • Methods...Read More

English Are you a woman in marine sciences from the Western Indian Ocean region? We’d like to hear from you! In October 2017, WIOMSA, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, launched a Network of Women in Marine Sciences to provide women in marine sciences with a platform to share experiences, challenges and solutions, celebrate...Read More

Peace Parks Foundation is proud of the passionate and dedicated teams, on the ground in transfrontier conservation areas daily, fighting the good fight to protect southern Africa’s natural heritage! One such ‘nature warrior’ is Miguel Gonçalves, Park Warden of Maputo Special Reserve (MSR) and Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve (PPMR) – the Mozambique components...Read More

The Nairobi Convention Secretariat through the WIOSAP Project is advertising the consultancies below to support development of restoration guidelines for Seagrass Ecosystems in the WIO region (a pair on Mangroves and Coral Reefs Restoration Guidelines went out already); and another related to the recent Science to Policy Forum held in Durban on Sustainable Port Development....Read More

The June 2018 issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out! The newsletter brings you up to date information on  WIOMSA and partners’  activities in ensuring the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources in the western Indian Ocean. This edition features articles on a turtle excluder device that is being tested  on Kenyan trawl nets ...Read More

IUCN invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of The Technical Coordinator – Marine and Coastal Resilience Programme to be based Nairobi, Kenya or Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The Technical Coordinator will develop, resource, and manage IUCN ESARO’s Marine and coastal resilience programme activities in the region in close collaboration with...Read More

An exciting opportunity exists for a marine or nutrition scientist to contribute to an ERC funded project: Coral Reef Fish Ecology: Determinants of Fish Nutrient Quality (ERC) We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic marine or nutrition scientist to contribute to a project investigating the drivers of fish nutrient quality amongst coral reef fish...Read More

The deadline for submission of proposals for research projects and to support the organization of training courses/workshops under the Cities and Coasts Project has been extended until 27 July, 2018. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its latest issue, Volume 16 No 2 at https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wiojms. We invite you to view the Table of Contents and then access full articles. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

Level 2 (L208) WIO-COMPAS is pleased to announce the offering of Level 2 Certification for MPA Managers, Assistant Managers, Site managers, Wardens, Deputy Wardens or Section Rangers. The Certification Assessment Event will be held on the 24-29 September 2018. Application documents are available for download here: Level 2 Call For Applications and Level 2 Application...Read More

The Nairobi Convention Secretariat through the Project on the ‘Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities’ (WIOSAP) is pleased to announce the next Science to Policy Forum for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region which is being organized in partnership with the Western...Read More

The Nairobi Convention Secretariat through the WIOSAP Project is seeking the services of an expert to develop a WIO Coral Reef Ecosystem Restoration Guideline as per the full announcement. The deadline for submission of application  is 14 July 2018. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in...Read More

WCS scientists has produced a video showing how they are using GitHub and coding to synthesize information from our large dataset on coral reefs to address questions of climate change. View the video. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

France has prepared a listing proposal of the subgenus Holothuria (Microthele), included 4 species, in CITES Appendix II. These are: Holothuria fuscogilva, H. fuscopunctata, H. nobilis, H. whitmaei. These species live in between tropics, both in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the eastern African coast to Polynesia. Download the proposal here. Share this:Click to...Read More

The Contracting Parties to the Nairobi Convention have received funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to execute the Project ‘Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities’ (WIOSAP). The Project is intended ‘to reduce impacts from land-based sources and activities and sustainably manage...Read More

The Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is seeking to facilitate partnerships between German and African research institutes, political decision-makers and practitioners with the Initiative ‘MeerWissen – German-African Partners for Ocean Knowledge’. The main objective is to build bridges between German and African marine researchers and African decision-makers, improving the conditions for...Read More

Kenyan coral marine biologist Nyawira Muthiga won the 2018 Award for Conservation Excellence together with her husband, American marine biologist Timothy McClanahan, in recognition of many years spent advocating community-driven marine conservation in East Africa. Presented by the Banovich Wildlife Escapes Foundation in the US in February, the award comes with a $100,000 cash prize....Read More

OTGA are pleased to inform you that the period for applications for the Training Course on Marine Spatial Planning, to be held between 10 – 14 September 2018 in Mombasa, Kenya, is open until 11 July 2018. Detailed information on the course overview, Objectives, Target Audience, etc., is available on the IOC link https://www.oceanexpert.net/event/2294 as...Read More

The Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with the Biodiversity Programme of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) are organizing a Training Course in Coral and Sponge Taxonomy that will be held in Zanzibar, Tanzania from 5-11 August 2018. The training aims at strengthening capacities of members of the WIO national...Read More

The deadline for submission of proposals for research projects and to support the organization of training courses/workshops and publication of books/manuals has been extended until 27 July, 2018. For more details on these calls, click here. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

WIOMSA and the Lund University of Sweden are organizing a Regional Workshop on ‘Marine Organisms Response to Climate Change Effects – Adaptation or Extinction?’ that will be held in Mombasa, Kenya from 8 – 10 October 2018. The workshop will aim at furthering our knowledge and specifically to: Synthesize current knowledge about how marine species...Read More

The purpose of this post is to request WIOMSA members to provide comments and feedback on the attached draft WIOMSA Adaptive Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023. The document is also available here. The External Evaluation of the MASMA Programme conducted in 2016/2017, found that the WIOMSA Strategic Plan 2005-2020 has largely been achieved. Further, the...Read More

Deadlines for completion of online survey and submission of proposals have benn extended. The deadline for the completion of online survey has been extended to 15 June 2018 and for the submission of full proposals to 30 June 2018. You can find more information on the call here. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens...Read More

As the fish population in Kenya’s Lake Victoria decreases, local fishermen try to compete with cheaper fish imports from China. Source: CNN Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The SOLSTICE Training Course in Remote Sensing and GIS will take place at IMS, Zanzibar 17-28 September 2018. The first week of the course consists of lectures and hands-on computing tutorials. The second week will be devoted to ‘mini-projects’ proposed by the course participants, related to their on-going research activities. Mini-projects are single, focused research...Read More

The deadline for completion of online surveys in response to the Call for proposals for establishment of ocean acidification observation and laboratory experiments is approaching fast! Don’t delay, the deadline is 19 May 2018! Read the full call. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new...Read More

WIOMSA, with funding from the Government of Sweden, is implementing a four-year Cities and Coasts (C&C) Project (2018-2021), whose main objectives are to improve scientific knowledge and to stimulate research directed at underpinning effective and efficient responses by coastal cities to current and foreseeable challenges they face. Support will be given only to high quality,...Read More

WIOMSA through the MASMA programme, is pleased to announce two calls: i) A call for research proposals. Grants of up to US$ 330 000 will be awarded to carry out research in the Western Indian Ocean region ii) a call for proposals to support organizations of training courses/workshops and Publications of books/manuals.   The deadline...Read More

WIOMSA in partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), the IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre (OA-ICC) and the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network (GOA-ON), is calling for proposals for establishing ocean acidification observation systems in the field, investigating biological response to ocean acidification stress using experimental set-ups in the laboratory, or a...Read More

WIOMSA is inviting expressions of interest to host the Eleventh WIOMSA Scientific Symposium from all the countries in the region including those that have hosted the Symposiums before. The Eleventh WIOMSA Scientific Symposium will be held in the second half of 2019, preferably in October or November 2019. Expressions of Interest should be submitted to...Read More

Have you read our latest Newbrief? it’s full of exciting news and information on range of topics including election of Board officials, Board’s decisions, the New MASMA Programme, different workshops held recently, summaries of MARG I reports, election of Country Coordinators and job advertisements. You may access the online version HERE. If you have news...Read More

The University of Rhode Island, Coastal Resources Center, is recruiting applicants for the positions of Capacity Development Specialist and Marine Policy Specialist to participate in a USAID-funded project, the Hay Tao (Enhancing Enabling Conditions for Biodiversity Conservation) Program led by Pact to improve the enabling environment for effective community-based management and protection of terrestrial and...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Accountant. The Accountant will be responsible for the accounting for all costs of operations, directly related to MASMA Programme and associated projects. In accordance with the Zanzibar’s labour laws, this position is open to Tanzanians...Read More

The South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Governance and Shared Growth Program (SWIOFish) is inviting expression of interest to undertake consultancy services for the preparation (2) and revision (3) of general management plan for marine conservation areas (MCAs) in Zanzibar, together with design of MCS strategies for each MCA. Preparation of a demarcation plan and establishment...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Cities and Coasts Project Manager. The Manager will be responsible for the coordination, supervision, monitoring and implementation of all the activities related to a new WIOMSA’s Cities and Coasts Project. Applicants are requested to submit...Read More

Supporting students conducting fieldwork with ‘community-engagement‘ VERBI Software supports you in using professional research software from the very beginning. MAXQDA Research Grants seek to help students unlock their research potential as well as facilitate the creation of international networks for research collaboration, thereby encouraging accountable data collection and self-reflective work products. The #ResearchforChange Grant gives...Read More

WIOMSA is calling for submission of proposals for its Marine Research Grant (MARG) Program. The MARG programme provides young and upcoming scientists with a reliable and flexible mechanism to turn their ideas into research projects and also offers opportunity for presentation of research results at various regional and international fora. What is new MASMA Programme?...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Communication and Engagement Coordinator. The Communication and Engagement Coordinator will be responsible for all activities related to communication, dissemination, engagement, outreach and advocacy. Interested candidates should send CVs and page motivation as to how they...Read More

The Development and Knowledge Sociology Work Group, ZMT is pleased to announce a fully-funded doctoral position at the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) through its Fiction Meets Science project and within the sub-project ‘Narrating Sealevel Change in Singapore’. More information on the Development and Knowledge Sociology Working Group at ZMT can be found ...Read More

The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) U.S. Global Development Lab is pleased to announce an open solicitation for human and institutional capacity building collaborations between higher education institutions (HEIs) in the United States and those in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) under the Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (STIP) Annual Program Statement (APS). This...Read More

It´s official! Sida and WIOMSA have signed an agreement on the next 5 years of support to WIOMSA. The MASMA Programme “Generating the Scientific and Policy Relevant Knowledge for achieving SDG 14 and Facilitating Implementation of the Paris Agreement in the WIO Region” will run from 2018-2022. The agreement was signed by the Sida Senior...Read More

University of Florida in partnership with the African Billfish Foundation and Pwani University are organizing a Regional Training Course on Practical Tools in Quantitative Fisheries Assessment. The training sessions will be held at Pwani University, Kilifi Kenya, from 16th – 26th July 2018. Interested applicants should complete the online application form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/quantitative_fisheries_kenya or thr attached...Read More

Three fact sheets to communicate the economic and social importance of coral reefs at a country and regional level have been released. Data is provided for more than 50 coral reef countries in 3 regions. Each factsheet provides easy to read economic and social data for the three main ecosystems services provided by coral reefs:...Read More

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an equal opportunity employer and seeks Marine Conservationists to implement field-based marine conservation projects in Tanzania. WCS is a leading actor in marine research and conservation globally. In Tanzania www.wcstanzania.org WCS is working in 5 land/seascapes across the country. We are looking to further develop our marine conservation with...Read More

Nominations open for The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity 2018 The MIDORI Prize, a biennial international prize co-organized by the AEON Environmental Foundation and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), honors three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. We would like you to nominate candidates...Read More

The Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER) program is happy to announce a new initiative aimed at supporting the career development of women in science: the Women in Science Mentoring Program. This program is designed in response to established studies showing that women are underrepresented in higher education and academia, in part due to...Read More

The Seychelles has created protected areas “the size of Great Britain” in the Indian Ocean. In exchange for getting some of its national debt paid off, the island nation has agreed to protect 210,000 sq km (81,000 sq miles) of ocean. The reserves will limit tourism and fishing activities in the Seychelles to halt further...Read More

Timothy McClanahan and Nyawira Muthiga, founders of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s coral reef program, won the first Award for Conservation Excellence, or ACE. The award carries a cash prize of $100,000, as well as a $5,000 Cabela’s gift certificate.               @Kimberly Fletcher Read the full article. Share this:Click to...Read More

Dr. Jacqueline Uku has been elected by the WIOMSA Board of Trustees to continue serving as WIOMSA President. The board elected Dr. Ranjeet Bhagooli as Vice President and Prof. Yunus Mgaya as Treasurer. The officials were elected during the 38th meeting of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees that was held in Nairobi, Kenya on the...Read More

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships are for PhD candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries, to spend up to 12 months at a UK university as part of their doctoral studies in their home country. Details here: http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/split-site-scholarships-low-middle-income-countries/ Students from Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania are eligible to apply. All applications, with full transcripts detailing all your higher...Read More

In memory of Danielle de St. Jorre, applications and nominations are invited for a scholarship to help fund the participation of a woman from a Small Island Developing State in IOI’s training programme on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management, to be held from 23rd May to 20th July 2018 at Dalhousie University in Halifax,...Read More

The Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated South African candidate to join our multidisciplinary coral reef programme. This position is for two years on a full-time basis commencing in March 2018. Applications should be sent to Dr Sean Porter (sporter@ori.org.za) and Prof. Michael Schleyer (schleyer@ori.org.za). The successful applicant will be based...Read More

The Alfred Wegner Institute is delighted to announce its 5th year hosting the Nippon Foundation-POGO Centre of Excellence (NF-POGO CofE); providing world class education, training and career development programmes in oceanography. The 10 month training programme will take place on the offshore island of Helgoland and the UNESCO reserve Wadden Sea island of Sylt, Germany....Read More

Duty Station: Nairobi Deadline: 27 January 2018 UN Environment’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Nairobi Convention is a partnership between governments, civil society and...Read More

The Ministry of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping has been set up in line with Government vision to making the ocean economy an important industry to sustain economic diversification, job creation and wealth generation. The main objective of the Ocean Economy Unit is to formulate and implement policies and strategies for the development...Read More

The Government of Kenya through the the World Bank-funded Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socioeconomic Development Project (KEMFSED) is requesting expression of interest to undertake a ‘Scoping Study to Develop Strategic Approach for Enterprise Development in Coastal Fishing Communities in Kenya’ Complete Expressions of Interest along with other relevant documents should be delivered by email (to:...Read More

Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its latest issue, Vol 16, No 1 (2017), at https://www.ajol.info/index.php/wiojms. This issue contains the following articles: i) Salum S. Hamed, Narriman S. Jiddawi, Philip. O.J. Bwathondi – Effects of blood meal as a substitute for fish meal in the culture of juvenile Silver Pompano Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède,...Read More

The first Building research capacity to address challenges of food security in Western Indian Ocean countries (SOLSTICE) newsletter is out. These quarterly newsletters will focus on reviews of activities, achievements and upcoming events across the Consortium. The first one is mainly an introduction to the project and the successful launch during our Kick-Off in Tanzania....Read More

The IOI-SA Course in Ocean Governance for Africa will run from the 3rd to the 28th September 2018 in Cape Town. Please save these dates for your 2018 planning. Applications will open on the 8th January, 2018 and close on the 30th April 2018. Download the brochure for the course. For more information and to...Read More

The Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and competent researcher to contribute to the Rising from the Depths Project. Read the full announcement. Closing date for applications: Sunday, January 14, 2018 – midnight GMT   Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on...Read More

If current trends continue and countries fail to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nearly all of the world’s coral reefs will suffer severe bleaching on an annual basis, according to a new United Nations environment agency study. Bleaching has a hugely negative effect on the health of a coral reef which, in turn, is vital to...Read More

The latest issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief is out. This is a combined issue of September and December issues and contains several interesting articles most of which related to the 10th WIOMSA Symposium and associated activities/events. Symposium photo gallery is also included. Thanks for all the support in 2017. We wish you all Merry Christmas...Read More

The Government of Kenya is inviting expression of interest to undertake a consultancy to provide direct input into the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socioeconomic Development Project (KEMFSED) project preparation, generating for each targeted priority fishery recommendations for a coherent portfolio of interventions that will support a significant increase in the value redeemed for target beneficiaries...Read More

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FROM EARLY CAREER SCIENTISTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND RESEARCHERS FOR FULLY FUNDED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SEYCHELLES Find out more about the training and how to apply by visiting our webpage. Join the Coral Reef Conservation Team We are looking for experienced divers to join world-renowned coral reef conservation specialists in Curieuse Marine National...Read More

The Nairobi Convention is part of the Regional Seas Programme of the United Nations Environment, Ecosystems Division. The United Nations Environment’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in...Read More

Following the elections for the new WIOMSA Board of Trustees during the 6th General Assembly held on the 3rd November 2017, WIOMSA is pleased to announce the following new Board members: Prof. Yunus Mgaya who has been elected in the category of host country member, Prof. Ranjeet Bhagooli and Dr. Dominique Ponton representing the Island...Read More

Course materials from the recently held WIOMSA introduction to R workshop can now be found online at: https://github.com/WIORWorkshop/WIO-R-WORKSHOP-2017. Those interested may also subscribe to our email list for questions and discussions on R and general quantitative advise on this link: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/wiorquantitativeadvise/join. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook...Read More

The Sixth WIOMSA General Assembly will be held on 3 November 2017 will start at 9:00. One of the main agenda of the General Assembly is the ‘Future of the WIOMSA Symposium’. We are urging members and non-members to provide inputs and comments on the paper. All participants (members and non-members) are encouraged to attend...Read More

Hello WIOMSA Family! Welcome to the 10th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania! We thank you all for attending and participating. The opening ceremony started with beautiful music provided by the University of Dar es Salaam Creative Arts Department Choir. We heard from our president Dr Jacqueline Uku about the expanding WIOMSA portfolio...Read More

The WIOMSA Scientific Symposium mobile app is live now and all Symposium participants are encouraged to download it. Download the instructions on how to download the app. The app is designed to help you create your personalised schedule, find your way around, network and more. Mobile and desktop versions are now available. The app will...Read More

On 30th October from 1900 hours during the first cocktail, Jocktan Makeke, an award-winning costume and body paint artist will be at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) for a body paint show. Be there! For more details about the artist, please visit, Facebook page: makeke international, Facebook account/profile: makeke and Instagram: @makeke_international Share...Read More

South Africa has taken over as chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, as of October 2017, with the theme: “IORA – uniting the peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through enhanced cooperation for peace, stability and sustainable development”. Through this platform, South Africa has established a local chapter of the Indian...Read More

The UNESCO/IOC’s Sub Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States – IOCAFRICA with support from the IOGOOS Secretariat is organizing the special session on 2 November 2017 during the 10th WIOMSA Symposium, to review progress in planning and implementation of IIOE-2 activities. You are all invited to attend. Download the Session Programme. Share this:Click...Read More

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of the TNC Africa Oceans Strategy Director. The Africa Oceans Strategy Director will assists in the design, development and implementation of oceans and coastal strategies across TNC Africa Region. The strategic focus will be bottom up and top down and designed to...Read More

The SA Agulhas II has embarked on the first leg of the WIO regional cruise. Below is a photo of the scientists and students taken on the main deck. Additional reporting available at the following links: 1. http://www.news24.com/Video/SouthAfrica/News/watch-uncovering-the-mysteries-of-the-indian-ocean-aboard-the-sa-agulhas-ii-20171019 2. https://youtu.be/zNVDITGmSPA 3. A picture from DEA Communications of the participants onboard. 4. http://ewn.co.za/2017/10/18/watch-ewn-boards-the-sa-agulhas-ii-ahead-of-it-s-voyage-to-tanzania Share this:Click to share on...Read More

The Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the Western Indian Ocean region through its GEF-funded project on ‘Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme for the protection of the Western Indian Ocean from land-based sources and activities (WIOSAP)’, which started in December 2016, is facilitating the implementation of SDG 14 with a special...Read More

Art Competition for primary and secondary school pupils in the coastal regions in Tanzania: Call for submission of artworks The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) in collaboration of the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) and the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries (DASF) both of the University of Dar es Salaam, the Tanzania...Read More

Since its establishment 25 years ago, WIOMSA has supported over 1500 individual scientists through its grant programmes (i.e. MASMA and MARG), capacity development initiatives (i.e. WIO-COMPAS and short-term courses) and biennial Scientific Symposium. What an opportune time to hear stories from you on how WIOMSA has contributed to the development of your career! To coincide...Read More

As part of the activities planned for the Tenth WIOMSA Symposium to be held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam from the 30th October – 4th November 2017, WIOMSA in collaboration of the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) and the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries (DASF) both of the University...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) will be holding its Sixth General Assembly at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) on 3rd November 2017. The Assembly will be preceded by the Tenth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, which will be held at the same place from 30th October to 2nd November 2017. The General Assembly...Read More

The Special Issue of the WIO Journal of Marine Science entitled “Coral reefs of Mauritius in a changing global climate” is out. This issue comprises of some of the papers presented during the Ninth University of Mauritius Research Week (UoM RW) held from 19-23 September 2016. Download the full Issue.   Share this:Click to share...Read More

A new project focussing on Sustainable Oceans, Livelihoods and food Security Through Increased Capacity in Ecosystem research (SOLSTICE), has been approved and th Global Challenges Research Fund, Research Council UK (RCUK) and the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), and aims to strengthen the ability of the nine Western Indian Ocean nations to address the challenges...Read More

WWF MDCO intends to commission a national or international firm for “Consultancy on Scenarios Development in the Northern Mozambique Channel” The duration of the assignment shall not exceed 55 days. Bidders may request the terms of reference to the following email address: procurement@wwf.mg or may ask them at WWF’s office at Antsakaviro, Près Lot II...Read More

The WIOMSA Honorary and Fellow membership and WIOMSA Emerging Scientist award ceremony will be held during the Tenth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in October/November 2017. The awards are an integral part of building scientific capacity in the region as they are given to individuals in recognition of their exemplary/outstanding/distinguished contribution in...Read More

We are pleased to present the June 2017 WIOMSA Newsbrief which among others include the article on new WIOMSA logo. With WIOMSA celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2018, what a better way to start marking this milestone than introducing a new brand identity for the Association! The issue also includes articles on WIOMSA participation in...Read More

If you work on or study Marine Waste along the Coasts of Africa, including waste management in universities, research organisations, governments, NGOs, coastal municipalities, communities or resorts and you want to attend the African Marine Waste Conference that will take place in Port Elizabeth, South Africa from 9-13 July 2017, please apply for sponsorship. Download...Read More

World Fisheries University (hereinafter WFU) Graduate Program at Pukyoung National University (hereinafter PKNU) is planned to be launched in the Fall of 2017. The Graduate School is sponsored by the Korean Government, which strives to be a pioneer in the fisheries industry by enhancing the human resources of developing countries. As Korea’s first professional school dedicated...Read More

All interested are invited to submit proposals for special sessions and workshops, and abstracts for oral and poster presentations for the 2017 Symposium of Contemporary Conservation Practice. Please submit all proposals for special sessions and/or workshops for consideration by 30 June 2017 using the online submission system. Please submit all abstracts for oral and poster presentations for consideration by 4 August 2017 using the online submission...Read More

The Waitt Foundation is pleased to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new initiative, MPAs Over the Finish Line, which aims to identify “shovel ready” MPA projects where 6 to 12 months of additional, targeted funding will result in legally-binding MPAs that have the political and social support necessary for implementation success.  The...Read More

The time for WIOMSA members to exercise their democratic right and vote for their Board of Trustees members has come. This Special Edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief contains biographies of the eight candidates who are standing for the four categories. Information on voting procedure is also contained in this issue. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD BY...Read More

You are all requested to vote for the video of project, “Sea PoWer” http://bit.ly/2rEbv3O and support women seaweed farmers in Zanzibar! “Sea PoWer” is a small project run by five women scientists from Tanzania, Kenya and France. Last year we won an award from the Australian Government as part of their Blue Economy Challenge to...Read More

In the light of the Ocean Conference taking place in New York this week, the embassy would like to highlight the work of one of Sweden’s partner organizations in Tanzania, the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), along with the fact that they have been invited to participate in the all-important Ocean Conference to...Read More

The African Union Commission invites proposals from interested and eligible African institutions for the implementation of the GMES & Africa Support Programme with the following specific objectives: Consolidating, extending and developing applications for the Water and Natural Resources and the Marine & Coastal Areas Services to adequately provide information to policymakers, scientists, businesses and the...Read More

Macquarie University in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society are organizing a Regional Training Course on Introduction R programming, that will be held in Dar es Salaam, Republic of Tanzania from 27-29 October 2017. Applications are invited from the qualified applicants from all the countries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. The ‘Introduction to...Read More

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) seeks a Marine Conservationist to lead the implementation of its field-based marine conservation efforts in Tanzania. The position is based in Zanzibar (or possibly Dar -es Salaam), and will require travel throughout the Tanzanian coastline. The WCS Tanzania Marine Conservationist position is a full-time position. Interested candidates should send their...Read More

WCS coral expert finds that some reefs were less sensitive to warming water over time Eleven species became less while one species became more sensitive to temperature change Study compares extremely warm years of 1998 and 2016 Study appears in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series NEW YORK (May 2, 2017) – A new WCS...Read More

A partnership of intergovernmental, scientific and educational institutions has launched a global commitment to raise awareness for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our ocean. Read the full article. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

Taking into account requests from prospective participants, the deadline for submission of abstracts has been extended to the 10th May 2017. Abstracts must be submitted online at http://abstract.wiomsa.org/index.php/wioma/10WSS. Please follow the online submission instructions. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

POGO is pleased to announce that with support from the Nippon Foundation and in partnership with the University of Liverpool, University of Southampton and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, it is offering a NF-POGO Visiting Fellowship for training on-board the GEOTRACES North Atlantic “FRidge” cruise in 2017-18. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to visit the...Read More

We invite applications for the above full-time research opportunity at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, a world-renowned, national Centre of Excellence (CoE) in ornithological research with a strong emphasis on postgraduate studies. The tenure of the Fellowship is for up to two years, providing there is satisfactory academic progress in the first year. –...Read More

The Master of Science in Maritime Science is an inter-university programme developed by Ghent University (UGent) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). It aims at students from diverse academic backgrounds, who have a common passion for maritime transport and already hold a Master degree. People working in the maritime sector may also benefit from the...Read More

Wetland International is implementing a 10-year Mangrove Capital Africa Programme (MCA) that charts a new approach that can upscale successful strategies and ensure their autonomous seeding and replication along East and West Africa’s coasts. In Eastern Africa, the initial focusing will be on the Rufiji Delta in Tanzania. The MCA is recruiting three experienced professionals...Read More

By Wanjohi Kabukuru [Gazi Bay, Kenya] Gazi Bay is a quiet sleepy village which lies some 55 kilometres south of Kenya’s coastal resort capital of Mombasa. It does not feature on the tourism circuit as the south-coast’s hotspots of Diani, Ukunda, Nyali, Kisite and even its direct neighbour Chale Island. And it fades into oblivion...Read More

By Wanjohi Kabukuru [Ilha da Inhaca, Mozambique] Mangroves are fascinating trees. At the breathtaking Rufiji Delta in Tanzania where the River Rufiji empties into the Indian Ocean, an interesting story is narrated by a resident Richard Mtila. “In 1987 the Tanzanian government imposed a moratorium on mangroves cutting in the Rufiji Delta to protect the...Read More

By Wanjohi Kabukuru [Chale Peninsula, Kenya] On a general talk, it appears as if the Gazi project was initiated a few years ago. However after spending a few days in this rural outpost is when one realises that the project is a culmination of years of determined study and quiet determination by a quiet researcher...Read More

This is to announce the release of a new coastal adaptation language – the Coastal Hazard Wheel. The Coastal Hazard Wheel is available as a new UNEP publication, as scientific background papers and as a global coastal classification app. It is taken forward by an international partnership of leading knowledge institutions and all information can...Read More

With support from the Rita Allen Foundation, the National Academy of Sciences is pleased to offer two awards of $37,500 each to support the formation and development of collaborative science communication researcher-practitioner partnerships. These awards are intended to facilitate the efforts of science communication researchers and practitioners to plan collaborative projects that pursue shared research...Read More

We are pleased to present the March 2017 WIOMSA Newsbrief which covers an interesting array of articles including: Decisions of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees, a new MASMA funded project, ESTUARIZE, articles from recently completed PhDs from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, and a MARG Grantee article. Enjoy the read. Download the full issue....Read More

Are you a student with a research project in either sustainable fishing practice or transforming the seafood market? This is your chance to be part of the 2017 MSC science scholarship program. We invite both undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world to apply for the grant, which provides up to £4,000 towards the...Read More

 Click here for supporting documents The LEAP-agri partners are pleased to announce the launch of the LEAP-Agri joint call for pre-proposals entitled: African European Collaborative Research on Sustainable Agriculture and Aquaculture for Food and Nutrition Security. This joint transnational research and innovation call is co-funded by the following partnering African and European countries: from Africa:...Read More

The 37th issue of the SPC Beche-de-mer Information Bulletin has 23 original articles and reports on the biodiversity, fisheries, aquaculture and trade of sea cucumbers in various regions, including Papua New Guinea, Philippines, China, Brazil and Nicaragua; sea cucumber symbionts; the reproduction of some sea cucumber species; and the development of methods to better study...Read More

Abstracts for the Tenth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium can now be submitted online at http://abstract.wiomsa.org/index.php/wiomsa/10WSS. Please follow the online submission instructions as described in the attached note. Abstracts must be submitted no later than 28th April 2017. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

The Kenya Wildlife Service will conduct an aerial census for marine mammals from March 23 to March 27. KWS spokesperson Paul Gatitu said the exercise will be launched at the Mombasa Marine National Park on March 23. “The survey will focus on dugongs in the area between Diani and Vanga in the South Coast and Ungwana...Read More

The research vessel Dr Fridtjof Nansen operates within the EAF-Nansen Project of FAO, and carries out fish resources and ecosystems surveys in the maritime waters of developing countries, particularly in Africa. The Project has produced a flyer taht announce the launch of a book on survey results planned for May this year. The book itself will,...Read More

The Biodiversity project is launching a call for expressions of interest covering a wide range of services and supplies. Details are currently available on our page: http://commissionoceanindien.org/activites/biodiversite/appel-a-manifestations-dinteret-call-for-expression-of-interest/ To see the English version, click on the flag at the top left. Le projet Biodiversité lance un appel à manifestation d’intérêt couvrant un vaste éventail de services...Read More

2017 is an election year for WIOMSA’s Board of Trustees. We are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for elections of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees. According to procedure, only members in good standing, that is paid WIOMSA members and registered students (who are exempted from paying membership fees) are eligible to...Read More

The IOI-SA will be hosting the fourth IOI-SA Course in Ocean Governance for Africa from the 4th – 29th September in Cape Town, South Africa. The course covers a wide range of marine and maritime issues and includes lectures, exercises, discussion and field trips. For more information, please see the brochure or visit http://ioisa.org/course-in-ocean-governance/. Download the call...Read More

Nature Seychelles  has just launched the world’s first Conservation Boot Camp, a unique and exclusive immersive conservation learning program based on the beautiful Cousin Island Special Reserve, one of the world’s great conservation success stories. The application process has just opened taking only 7 participants at a time. The Conservation Boot Camp is a great...Read More

The School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Sweden is announcing a PhD-position at the Department within the recently granted research project on LAPSSET in Kenya. We are especially looking for a candidate from the region (experience from research in East Africa and knowledge of Kiswahili is a merit). Please share the information if you know of anybody...Read More

Through the NSF funded ‘DIPnet’ (Diversity of the Indo-Pacific Network: a collaborative research network and database for advancing marine biodiversity research; http://diversityindopacific.net/) we will be hosting a five day intensive workshop at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The workshop is aimed at African scientists that are actively engaged in the use of molecular tools (genetics/genomics) for...Read More

The Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) is recruiting a Consultancy Services for Design Tuna Specific Research Program and Grants Mechanism, whose primary objective is to develop a 10 year research agenda that will assist in improving understanding and sustainable use as well as productive management of tuna and tuna-like species fisheries in the United Republic...Read More

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) invites eligible and qualified consultancy firms to submit Expression of Interest to undertake Consultancy Services for end of the project evaluation of the Kenya Coastal Development Project (KCDP). The deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is 24th February 2017 at 11.00am. Download the full announcement. Share this:Click...Read More

WWF Tanzania is inviting technical and financial proposals to develop a WWF-Tanzania Marine Programme base proposal. The primary goal of the consultancy is to support WWF Tanzania’s development of a marine programme that will meet the broader objectives to ensure marine ecosystems and associated biodiversity in two priority seascapes of Rufiji, Mafia and Kilwa (RUMAKI)...Read More

The Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) is recruiting a Consultancy Services for Design Tuna Specific Research Program and Grants Mechanism, whose primary objective is to develop a 10 year research agenda that will assist in improving understanding and sustainable use as well as productive management of tuna and tuna-like species fisheries in the United Republic...Read More

2017 is an election year for WIOMSA’s Board of Trustees. We are pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for elections of the WIOMSA Board of Trustees. According to procedure, only members in good standing, that is paid WIOMSA members and registered students (who are exempted from paying membership fees) are eligible to...Read More

WIOMSA is pleased on announce a sale on some of its Books. WIOMSA, as a knowledge organization, has over the years produced a number of publications in the form of general knowledge books, manuals and field guides. These publications cover different topics of both educational and research interest such as climate change and its impacts, mangrove...Read More

WIOMSA in partnership with the Coastal Resources Center of the University of Rhode Island (CRC), is pleased to announce the Seventh offering of Level 2 Certification for MPA Managers, Assistant Managers, Site managers, Wardens, Deputy Wardens or Section Rangers. The Certification Assessment Event will be held on the 8-12 May 2017. We are also pleased...Read More

We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for Year 5 of the Nippon Foundation-POGO Centre of Excellence (NF-POGO CofE) at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). The training will run from October 2017 to August 2018. The NF-POGO CofE has provided world class education and...Read More

This is to inform you that the current five-year support by Sida to the MASMA Programme ends in June 2017. Since MASMA and MARG grants are funded through the MASMA Programme, no grant application will be processed until further notice. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens...Read More

Study finds that most valuable predatory fish in reef systems can only survive with modest catch quotas Fisheries need sensible management to remain productive   Study Link: http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(16)31325-2 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2016.10.062 Suggested Tweet: https://twitter.com/WCSNewsroom/status/819667513906753537   New York (January 12, 2017) – Fishing is fundamentally altering the food chain in coral reefs and putting dual pressures on...Read More

The World Aquaculture Society (WAS), the Aquaculture Association of Southern African Africa is hosting the annual World Aquaculture Conference in Africa for the first time June 26-30, 2017. African sponsorship and support is being provided by the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, AU-IBAR and WorldFish. In order to accommodate broader participation, the...Read More

In memory of Danielle de St. Jorre, applications and nominations are invited for a scholarship to help fund the participation of a woman from a Small Island Developing State in IOI’s training programme on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management, to be held from 24th May to 21st July 2017 at Dalhousie University in Halifax,...Read More

FULLY FUNDED TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR EARLY CAREER SCIENTISTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND RESEARCHERS Earthwatch will be running two Training Teams on our Coral Communities in the Seychelles Project from Team 1 18th – 29th April 2017 and Team 2 25th April – 6th May 2017. Please note that team 1 is for experienced scuba divers only and is...Read More

Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science has just published its latest issue at http://www.ajol.info/index.php/wiojms. We invite you to view the Table of Contents below and then visit our web site to access articles and items of interest. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new...Read More

The Belgian National Focal Point to the Global Taxonomy Initiative (GTI) are happy to inform you that the 2017 Belgian GTI external call for proposals is open! Scientists from the partner developing countries of the Belgian Development cooperation (see list below) can apply for a short-term grant to come to Belgium in 2017 for taxonomic...Read More

The fourth issue of the WIOMSA Newsbrief for 2016 is out and contains several interesting articles some of which are on the Nairobi Convention events organized jointly with WIOMSA and WIOMSA’s events such as evaluation of the MASMA Programme; MASMA Grantees meeting and the Board meeting. Also included are articles of new collaboration between WIOMSA...Read More

The Earthwatch (an international NGO based in the UK – http://eu.earthwatch.org/about ) will again be running two training teams (Teams 1 & 2) on coral reef conservation monitoring and community research programme, Coral Communities in the Seychelles Project in in April/May 2017. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed but we will be sending...Read More

The International Ocean Institute (IOI) is pleased to announce its annual Training Programme on Ocean Governance: Policy, Law and Management that will be held in Dalhousie, Canada from 24th May – 21st July, 2017. The application deadline is 1st January 2017. Download the Course Announcement and the application form. For more information about the training,...Read More

Exeter University in United Kingdom are offering up to 20 PhD scholarships for international students. See details below and in this link: http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/money/fundingsearch/awarddetails/?id=2461 Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Read More

CALL FOR AFRICA SCIENCE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME (ASLP) The call for the third round of the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) is open. The ASLP aims to train fellows in advanced leadership skills, connecting and empowering them to lead a new paradigm for African science. The inaugural and second round of the programme exceeded all our...Read More

The Internews Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has created the Biodiversity Media Grant Opportunity to support journalism networks and media organizations throughout the world in increasing the capacity of media to cover critical issues of conservation and biodiversity. The Biodiversity Media Grant Opportunity is designed to support the awareness- or capacity-building around biodiversity and conservation, network...Read More

Lately, there has been a lot of attention for development in aquaculture in East-Africa and the fisheries sector in the Great Lakes Region is flourishing. Nevertheless, there are plenty of fish in the sea. The Agricultural Counselor in Kenya and Tanzania is therefore conducting a scoping study into the possible development of marine fisheries in...Read More

The Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) and the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries (DASF) [both of the University of Dar es Salaam] and the Tanzania Fisheries Institute (TAFIRI) are pleased to announce the Tenth WIOMSA Scientific Symposium which will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania...Read More

The publication on “Case studies on climate change and African coastal fisheries: a vulnerability analysis and recommendations for adaptation options,” is out. The publication was edited by Jim Anderson and Timothy Andrew and produced by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)–FAO Fish Programme (NFFP) Component C (FMM/GLO/003/MUL) and the FAO’s EAF-Nansen Project. The objective...Read More

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is inviting submission of applications to attend a “Assessment of Management Effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs): a workshop to identify appropriate regional approaches and methodologies, and to integrate these with ongoing initiatives to build management capacity in the Western Indian Ocean”, that will be held in Mombasa, Kenya from 5...Read More

The International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) and Ocean Teacher Global Academy (TGA) in collaboration with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) are organizing a “OTGA-KMFRI Training Course: Repositories, Communication & Outreach and Ocean Docs” to be held in Mombasa, Kenya from 21-25 November 2016. This course will explore important repository aspects...Read More

Mangroves of the Western Indian Ocean Book Launch by Wanjiru Jacqueline and Nina Wambiji It was an honour for Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to host the first book launch entitled ‘Mangroves of the Western Indian Ocean: Status and Management’ on 22nd September 2016. The event was spearheaded by Dr. Jared Bosire (WWF...Read More

The September edition of the quarterly WIOMSA Newsbrief is out. The issue features regional news, articles from WIOMSA’s MARG Grantees and stories from newly minted PhDs. The articles include: Managing Non-Academic Impact of Research: Capacity Building for Impact Training held in Mombasa. WIOFish Revamped Training on Scientific Cruise Planning, Oceanographic Sampling, Fisheries and Data Management....Read More

A $48 million commitment toward MPA expansion and improved management revealed at the Our Ocean conference hosted by U.S. State Department MPAs provide immense benefits for the world’s marine ecosystems — for fish and people This commitment will be used to expand and improve MPA coverage to protect 10 percent of the world’s oceans by 2020 Oceans...Read More

IOC-SmartFish programme is pleased to submit herewith its new publication: a comic strip entitled ‘The Shark Fin Soup’. The Shark Fin Soup is a project that the Seychellois artist, Peter Lalande, had in mind for a long time. He wanted to tell a story about a cruel practice which deeply shocked him. The project became...Read More

  2015 Annual Report is out! WIOMSA prepares its Annual Report each year to highlight its key activities and achievements to our members, partners and stakeholders. The report also profiles selected work from its grantees and WIOMSA’s partners. Hope you will enjoy reading it. Comments are welcome. Download the full Report.        ...Read More

Today, Members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted the Hawai‘i Commitments, an innovative document that sets out the opportunities to meet key conservation challenges identified at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. The Commitments were shaped by Congress debates and deliberations and were submitted for comment to some 8,500 participants who attended the...Read More

Two new publications “Sharks and Rays : A Field Guide to Common Elasmo Branchs of East Africa” and “Mangroves of the Western Indian Ocean: Status and Management” are now available for sale online at the WIOMSA Store. Orders of the publications can be made by clicking the  following link http://www.wiomsa.org/online-payments/ and then clicking purchase of books....Read More

It is with deep sorrow and personal regret that we announce the death of Mohammed Taki Jaffer or Mr. Jaffer as he was popularly known in WIOMSA circles. Mr. Jaffer passed away after a short illness, early on Wednesday morning. Mr. Jaffer will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. He was a special,...Read More

The Blue Economy discussions have accelerated since Rio+20, the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 20-22, 2012. A “Blue Economy” approach to sustainable growth usuall… y recognizes different use and non-use values of ocean and other “blue” resources. It promotes the coordination of...Read More