An Assessment of
kenya's Elasmobranch Fishery
Characterising Kenya's Shark and Ray Fishery: Implications for Conservation and Management
Our comprehensive overview of the challenges and implications of elasmobranch (sharks and rays) fishing in Kenya, particularly within the context of artisanal fisheries, is published online in press (2025) in Journal of Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS). The study, titled “Status and characteristics of sharks and rays impacted by artisanal fisheries: potential implications for management and conservation’’, was led by our Senior Research Associate Kennedy Osuka.
Shark and ray vulnerability in Kenya
Sharks and rays, part of the subclass Elasmobranchii, are highly vulnerable to overfishing due to their biological traits, such as slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rates, which hinder rapid population recovery. Over one-third of elasmobranch species globally are now threatened with extinction, primarily from overfishing. The loss of these species has significant implications for marine ecosystems, as they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine communities. In Kenya, are intentionally targeted for their meat and fins and incidentally caught during fishing operations targeting other species. Vessels used in artisanal fisheries, such as dugout and motorised boats, and fishing gears like gillnets, longlines, and handlines, are most responsible for the unintentional capture of elasmobranchs. Small commercial prawn trawl fisheries in some areas also contribute significantly to the bycatch of elasmobranch species. In all, the exploitation of threatened shark and ray species, including those classified as Vulnerable Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is rife. Reef shark populations in East Africa have been classified as ‘functionally extinct’. Further challenging the protection of shark and ray species in the region is inadequate enforcement or absence of fishing regulations, and critical knowledge gaps on biological traits and nursery grounds.
The Study
This study aimed to characterise the Kenyan elasmobranch fishery and its overlap with key habitats, assessing fisher behavior, vessels and gears used to target elasmobranch, species composition, and catch rates. The research focused on three landing sites—Kipini, Ngomeni, and Shimoni, selected for their high volume of elasmobranch catch according to historical data. Existing information on sharks and rays was also reviewed to establish findings.
Key Findings
The study highlights the severe decline in shark and ray populations, particularly in Kenya, due to overfishing and non-selective fishing methods like gillnets. Nearly 80% of the species landed were listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. The capture of mostly juvenile sharks (97%) and rays (45%) indicates a critical threat to their populations, as these species have low reproductive rates. The study also reveals changes in species composition over time, with some species like the silky shark becoming more prevalent, while others, such as the blacktip shark, have nearly disappeared. The use of illegal gillnets and the preference for nearshore fishing, due to equipment limitations, have exacerbated the decline in these species.
Recommendations
There is an urgent need to implement conservation efforts to protect sharks and rays in Kenya, as many species are at risk of extinction. Key measures include controlling fishing effort, establishing marine protected areas and regulating fishing gears to reduce the capture of juvenile and threatened species. Activating existing wildlife protection laws and adhering to international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are essential for effective management. Educating fishers and providing alternative income sources are also crucial to ensure compliance with these regulations while safeguarding their livelihoods.
This study underscores the global vulnerability of shark populations and highlights the necessity of effective fishing practices to preserve marine ecosystems and support local communities. Immediate actions, such as banning the landing of threatened species and enforcing minimum size limits, are critical to preventing the local extinction of sharks and rays in Kenyan waters.