Seagrass Mapping Takes Root in the Western Indian Ocean

07.08.2025 - 18:00:06

Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Chad Comoros Cote d'Ivoire Djibouti Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Equatorial Guinea Kenya Liberia Madagascar Mali Namibia Niger Nigeria Central African Republic Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Republic of the Senegal Sierra Leone South Africa Sudan Tanzania Tonga Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Algeria Angola Botswana Cape Verde Egypt Eritrea Guinea-Bissau Lesotho Libya Malawi Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Seychelles South Sudan Swaziland Togo Tunisia

that developed the first field verified seagrass map and carbon stock assessment for the country. This highly collaborative project helped to inform Seychelles' commitment to protect all seagrass meadows in their 2021 NDC. LaSMMI will employ the same scientific methods, including the use of available satellite data combined with on-the-ground information to create seagrass maps. These maps will provide essential data for governments, conservationists, and marine spatial planners to better protect and manage seagrass meadows across the Western Indian Ocean.

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Country leads quotes:

Dr. Jacqueline Uku, Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

"I started out my career in the late 1990's as a seagrass scientist with the big vision of putting little known seagrasses on the Kenyan map. The LaSMMI project is a long-awaited initiative for us in Kenya and it will fulfil my vision for this critical ecosystem. I am awed by all the opportunities that this project presents in raising the next generation of seagrass scientists."

Dr. Blandina Lugendo, Marine Scientist and Dean of the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam,Tanzania

"Seagrass meadows are among the most valuable shallow coastal ecosystems, nonetheless, they are not well understood, and hence not fully appreciated or effectively conserved. The LaSMMI Project presents an opportunity to map seagrasses in the Western Indian Ocean region in order to better understand them and enhance their conservation, since it is difficult to protect what we don't know."

Dr. Ali Ussi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Natural Sciences, State University of Zanzibar

"The LaSMMI project exemplifies the State University of Zanzibar's unwavering commitment to sustainable marine resource management, highlighting our dedication to seagrass conservation through strategic international collaborations and informed local expertise. This initiative is fundamental in enhancing biodiversity and serves as a critical component in the climate change mitigation strategy for the Western Indian Ocean region."

Prof. Salomão Bandeira (PhD), Associate Professor at Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique

LaSMMI highlights seagrass as a carbon superpower, enabling climate adaptation, coastal protection, and supporting fisheries, all through collaborative efforts that empower community resilience in the Western Indian Ocean region."

Dr. Nirinarisoa Lantoasinoro Ranivoarivelo, senior lecturer at the Institute of Fisheries and Marines Sciences at the University of Toliara, Madagascar.

"The LaSMMI project underscores the importance of seagrass conservation, highlighting their role in supporting marine life, storing carbon, and protecting coastlines. This global initiative demonstrates a collective effort to preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean stewardship."

Media Contact:

Barb Cvrkel

Damboia Cossa

The Pew Charitable Trusts

WIOMSA

bcvrkel@pewtrusts.org

media@lasmmi.org

+1 2025105670

WhatsApp: +12025105670