Protect our ocean & safeguard livelihoods in Kenya

We’re thrilled to share exciting progress from our work with Oceans Alive Kenya! This partnership continues to ignite transformative change along Kenya’s coastline, creating an empowering movement that is already inspiring neighboring communities.  

This current project focuses on a group of resilient, passionate women known locally as Mama Karangas—the fishmongers who play an essential yet often unrecognized role in feeding coastal communities. While the men head out to fish, the Mama Karangas handle, process, and sell the catch, contributing to food security and economic stability. Yet, these women are more than fishmongers; they are unsung heroes whose work sustains local economies and marine ecosystems alike. 

New Milestone Reached: 600 Mama Karanga Households Equipped! 

An incredible 600 Mama Karanga households have recently received essential fish processing equipment, marking a major leap forward in their mission to bring safe, high-quality seafood to the region. This equipment upgrade not only enhances food hygiene standards but also shines a light on the vital role these women play in nurturing both their community and the ocean that sustains it. 

Empowering Women to Lead Sustainable Change 

Mama Karangas now can step confidently into leadership roles within the Kuruwitu Co-managed Area, advocating for sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation. Equipped with new tools and training, these women can now better control the size, species, and quality of fish they accept, ensuring that only mature, sustainably sourced catches make it to market.  

In addition, training sessions on fish data collection and monitoring have introduced a new level of environmental stewardship, empowering the Mama Karangas to take an active role in protecting the reefs and oceans that are their livelihood. 

Building a Powerful Network for Knowledge Sharing 

One of the most exciting outcomes of this project has been the formation of a Mama Karanga network, where women connect to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Through this support system, they’re not only uplifting each other but also shaping the future of sustainable fishing in Kenya. As these women unite, they are beginning to serve as a model for communities all along the coast—and beyond!  

As Des Bowden, Co-Founder of Oceans Alive Kenya, puts it:  

“The Mama Karanga project is intrinsically linked to the health of the ocean. These women work tirelessly, often without recognition or reward, yet they are a vital link in coastal communities, driving positive change for both their environment and the people around them.” 

This incredible progress wouldn’t be possible without people like you. By standing with us, you’re championing women’s voices and investing in a sustainable, prosperous future for Kenya’s coastal communities. Together, we are creating a ripple effect that will preserve these ecosystems for generations to come. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. With your support, the Mama Karangas are rising as guardians of Kenya’s coastline, safeguarding both their community and the ocean that sustains it. 

With Thanks,   

Pelorus Foundation 

The latest update from our project partner, Oceans Alive, Kenya highlights the latest challenge we have in protecting our oceans. 

Coral Bleaching

The devastating effects of climate change with the warming of our oceans is significantly affecting marine life. Scientists recently announced that we are currently experiencing our fourth global mass coral bleaching event which threatens the hard-won restoration of coral reefs in Kuruwitu. However, there is still more coral being restored than has existed in recent years. 

Coral bleaching happens when stressed corals expel symbiotic algae, turning white and possibly dying if stress continues. Des Bowden, Founder of our local project partner, Oceans Alive Kenya, reports that high water temperatures in Kuruwitu have caused over 30% of coral to die and more than 50% to bleach. Despite extensive restoration efforts, new coral growth is also bleaching.

However, there is hope. If water temperatures decrease, algae may return, allowing corals to recover. Recent heavy rains in Kenya are cooling sea temperatures, showing early signs of recovery in Kuruwitu. Shallow water corals, used to temperature fluctuations, are showing resilience and may recover as they have in the past.

As climate change threatens our oceans, it's vital to unite in protecting these fragile ecosystems. Through collaboration and decisive action, with your ongoing support we can enhance conservation efforts and ensure the preservation of our marine ecosystems for future generations.

Mama Karangas & Community Gardening

Kuruwitu's women ocean guardians, continue to protect fish numbers through their role as fishmongers along the Kenyan coast, while the men engage in fishing.  However, food poverty is prevalent within the region – specifically during the off-season for fishing – so communities in Kuruwitu are working to transform food security by promoting homestead cultivation of vegetables. Through training support from our local project partner, Oceans Alive Kenya, climate-smart gardens are helping to ensure better food security during the low fishing months. 

The climate-smart kitchen gardens, use repurposed waste sacks and plastic containers filled with nutrient-rich soil and compost sourced from the land. These small-scale ecosystems require minimal space and water, offering an advantage in a region plagued by drought and limited access to water made worse by climate change. 

Thank you for your support and please do consider making a further gift to continue supporting this vital work.

Links:

• Coral Bleaching on the Kenyan Coast