Marine Resources
Kenya Coast Portal
Section:
Reviews
Category:
Environment
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Number of pages:
21
Year of publication:
2000
Print title:
Aloo P. (2000). Marine Resources. In Hoorweg J., Foeken D. & Obudho R. eds. Kenya Coast Handbook: Culture, resources and development in the East African littoral. (pp.43-59). Hamburg: LIT Verlag.
For reference purposes, cite the following link:
https://ascleiden.nl/kenya-coast/reviews/aloo/marine-resources
Summary/abstract:
Coral reefs, lagoons, estuaries and beaches form the natural environment of the coastline with rich botanical resources and marine life. Mangroves, seaweeds, seagrasses are primary food producers for the coastal ecosystems and offer shelter to many forms of marine life. Mangroves have always had manifold uses for the local communities. The coastal waters of this part of the East African Coast are relatively poor in fisheries because of the narrow width of the continental shelf. Nearly all fish landings come from artisanal fishermen with about 10,000 tons/year. Artisanal fishing, including crustacean catch, is considered above or at sustainable levels. Off-shore and demersal fish catches have not reached such levels, yet. Other marine resources include minerals and tourism.
Nearly all parts of the coastal ecosystem face serious threats. Coral reefs suffer from sedimentation and pollution which hampers the growth of the micro-organisms, but also suffers from over-fishing and rapacious collection in many parts. Mangrove forests experience massive felling. Sand and salt-mining are other threatening activities. The marine protected areas along the coast are of vital importance to preserve the maritime heritage in conjunction with much needed integrated coastal management.