Listening to the Ocean: What We’re Learning with Kwa Chambo Fishers

Siana Phillips
May 28
3 min read

In early 2025, Ocean Sole began a new chapter in our conservation journey — one rooted in listening, learning, and co-creating solutions with the people who depend on the ocean the most.

Chambo fishermen receiving training from Dr. Mwaura of KEMFRI to launch community-led sustainable fishing surveys along the Kenyan coast. — Chambo fishers prepare for their first citizen science survey, guided by Dr. Mwaura from KMFRI. This training marks a crucial step in community-led conservation for Kenya’s coastal communities.

Fisher-led coral reef and marine ecosystem health survey off Bofa Beach, part of Ocean Sole’s SDG14-aligned citizen science initiative. — On Day 2 of our four-day coral health survey off Bofa Beach, community conservation takes shape underwater — helping us align local efforts with global SDG14 goals.

At the Kwa Chambo fishing landing site, nestled along Kenya’s coast, we partnered with a group of small-scale fishers to track and record fish stocks — not only to understand what they’re catching but to help shape smarter, more sustainable practices that protect marine life for generations to come.

This collaboration isn’t just about data. It’s about trust, livelihoods, and survival — for both communities and our ocean’s fragile ecosystems.

🌊 Why It Matters

The fishers at Kwa Chambo are part of a long-standing tradition. Most rely on spearguns and monofilament nets during the kusi (monsoon) season — fishing methods that, while often born of necessity, are currently illegal in Kenya due to their damaging impact on marine species.

Rather than policing or punishing, we chose to partner — gathering real-time data and having honest conversations about what’s being caught, what’s disappearing, and how we might change course together.

Portrait of a coastal fisherman participating in Ocean Sole’s monthly beach cleanup, showcasing grassroots community conservation in action. — One of our dedicated Chambo fishers during a monthly beach cleanup — proving that conservation isn’t just about data, it’s about people leading the way.

📊 What We’ve Learned So Far

Our first few months of data collection have already revealed urgent insights:

April 2025:

Total catch: 283.7 kg (all via speargun)
Largest catch type: Rabbit fish — 140.3 kg

May 2025:

Total catch: 322.1 kg
- Speargun: 227.9 kg
- Net: 94.2 kg

Highest volume: Rabbit fish again — 205 kg
Lowest volume: Lobster — just 5.4 kg

Concerning bycatch: A 10 kg black-tip reef shark caught unintentionally in a monofilament net.

The fishers also reported increased incidental capture of sea turtles and rays — species already facing immense pressure across East African waters. Of particular concern is the black-tip reef shark, a key predator whose population the fishers say has steadily declined.

Handwritten catch data from Kwa Chambo landing site survey, documenting sustainable fishing practices and bycatch trends through citizen science. — Real-world impact begins with real-time data. This handwritten log from our landing site captures the catch — and the challenges — facing small-scale fishers.

🐢 Aligning with SDG 14: Life Below Water

This work directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, which calls on the global community to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.” By partnering with fishers and gathering grassroots data, we’re building a shared understanding of local ecosystems — a foundation for effective, community-led conservation.

Ocean Sole’s community conservation team in a boat after completing a four-day SDG14 coral reef survey and transect training near Bofa Beach. — After four days of training and underwater transect surveys, our team of fishers, scientists, and conservationists celebrates a milestone for sustainable fishing and coastal resilience.

Together, we can reduce destructive fishing practices, protect threatened species, and support coastal livelihoods — all while restoring balance to the ocean.

🌱 What’s Next?

This project is only just beginning. But already, it’s shown us the power of connection — between people and planet, data and empathy, knowledge and action.

We're committed to continuing this work, expanding our data collection, and developing alternative fishing strategies that center conservation and community wellbeing.