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🐙 Octopus Fisheries & Community-Led Closures
In collaboration with the Munje Beach Management Unit (BMU) in the Shimoni-Vanga seascape, we established a 0.4 km² octopus closure zone (about 1% of the fishing area) in 2023; led entirely by the community to protect octopus stocks, boost incomes and pilot a model that balances conservation with livelihoods.
💡 Why It Matters
Octopus are fast-growing, high-value species that respond quickly to periods of no-fishing. By temporarily closing an area, letting octopus breed and recover, then opening for harvest, communities can benefit economically and ecologically. These “temporary closures” offer a practical pathway for marine resilience while putting fishers at the centre of management.
⚙️ How It Works
- 👥 Community Planning & Monitoring: The BMU defines the closure area, sets the rules and leads patrols.
- 🔒 Closure Period & Harvesting Events: The zone is closed (breeding period) then reopened in planned harvest events.
- 📈 Data & Learning Loop: Catch composition, income and ecosystem indicators are tracked at each opening to evaluate and adapt the model.
The Impact
📊 Milestones & Impact
- 🌊 0.4 km² closure zone marked by Munje BMU in 2023.
- 📅 Completed three successful opening events: Nov 2023, Apr 2024 & Aug 2024.
- 👥 30 women peer-trainers from Mkwiro BMU delivered training to 17 women in Munje on octopus gleaning.
- 🚤 Launch of patrol boat by the Kwale County Governor to support closure surveillance.
- ✅ Only 3 cases of poaching reported in the closure during 2024.
- 📄 150 of 260 BMU members renewed membership; 53 of 70 fishers renewed their licences.
- 🐙 307.6 kg of octopus harvested during the third opening.
- 🧬 Improved ecosystem health shown by increased indicator species and better benthic conditions (less algae, more coral cover).
307.6
“The octopus closure has put us on the map; both locally and globally. Through the combined efforts of our community, BMU, and COMRED, we have achieved something remarkable. We must therefore protect this resource together.” - Hassan Chimete, Former Chairperson, Munje BMU
“The octopus closure has put us on the map; both locally and globally. Through the combined efforts of our community, BMU, and COMRED, we have achieved something remarkable. We must therefore protect this resource together.” - Hassan Chimete, Former Chairperson, Munje BMU
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