Sharing Nets of Knowledge: Peer-to-Peer Learning in Community-Based Fisheries Management in Lamu.
From 4th to 7th August 2025, Bahari Hai’s fisheries management team and representatives from 5 BMUs in Kilifi County – (Uyombo, Mida, Watamu, Mayungu, and Shella BMUs) travelled to Lamu for a peer-to-peer learning exchange with LaMCoT and Mokowe BMU. What unfolded for two days was more than just a visit – it was an eye-opener into what strong governance, data ownership, and community-led conservation can achieve.
With Kinyika, LaMCoT showed how fishers can turn declining resources into opportunities. By blending science with traditional knowledge, communities designed seasonal closure, revived fisheries, and restored pride in conservation. At Mokowe BMU, the lesson was clear: discipline in leadership and transparency in finances build trust. With ten financial registers tracking every shilling, inclusivity of women and youth in decision-making, and an active conflict resolution committee, Mokowe set the bar high for BMU governance.
This first-hand exchange learning within fishers unveiled the true desire to improve what was identified as lacking within our BMU’s.
Appreciating the Value of Data
The power of data was echoed across the sessions. As Claperton Kazungu from Uyombo BMU said: “If we want change, we must provide data; there is no shortcut.” Fishers agreed that data is not just about fish counts – it forms the basis for assessing resource status, guiding enforcement mechanisms, and informing adaptive management strategies noting that it is the voice that brings partners to the table and drives action.
Culture also came alive through LaMCoT’s annual festival, where conservation is celebrated with art, music, and recognition of community champions. It reminded everyone that awareness grows deeper when rooted in identity, tradition, and pride. Proper data collection informing on fisheries management is a culture we work towards, through campaigns and celebrating the effort of our fishers. Through our Watamu Conservation Festival, lessons shared from the exchange visit, we aim at engaging our fishers in leading such a platform and encouraging each other in sustainable fisheries.
Good governance
Reflections from the exchange pointed to simple truths: strong leadership starts at home, accountability strengthens credibility, inclusivity brings sustainability, and community ownership drives change. Or, in the words of Chrispus Mramba from Mayungu BMU: “For a car to move well, the driver must know the road. If the driver loses direction, what will the passengers do?” Painting a clear picture of the crucial role good governance plays within our society and the necessity of improving on it.
This visit came at a timely moment for a newly formed BMU in Kilifi County – Mida BMU, which had just elected a new leadership team. The lessons from Lamu offered guidance and inspiration as the BMU embraced a new governance structure designed to strengthen accountability, improve participation, and ensure that management decisions reflect the needs of all stakeholders. For the fishers of Mida Creek, this renewed structure is important providing them with the leadership and framework needed to secure their livelihoods while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
The journey in Lamu proved that fisheries management is not a solo effort, it is a shared voyage. And with every peer-to-peer exchange, BMUs are not just learning; they are shaping a future where communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods thrive together.
In the present time, guidance from the exchange visit has expanded the thoughts towards improved community-based fisheries management, good governance, and marine conservation.
We closed the exchange with deep gratitude to our partner Blue Ventures for making it possible, and to the LaMCoT team and Mokowe BMU for generously sharing their journey with us. BMU representatives from Uyombo, Mida, Watamu, Mayungu, and Shella made the learning rich and memorable. Together, we left Lamu inspired to strengthen our BMUs and to keep safeguarding our ocean: one wave at a time.
A huge thanks to our partners Blue Ventures and LaMCoT
Written by Grace Mwendwa
Photos by Fanaka Tsofa
