Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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