spatial management plans in Kenya not captured under Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM)

Other spatial management plans in Kenya not captured under Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) or Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as part of SDG 14.2.1 (proportion of national Exclusive Economic Zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches), we need to identify spatial management frameworks beyond the national MSP (still in pre-planning as of March 2025) and IMCAM initiatives like Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs). SDG 14.2.1 focuses on ecosystem-based management, so these "other" plans should involve spatial allocation or zoning for marine and coastal resources but fall outside the formal MSP or IMCAM umbrellas. Here’s an analysis based on available data as of March 02, 2025.

Context: MSP and IMCAM in Kenya

  • MSP: Kenya’s National Marine Spatial Plan, approved by Cabinet in March 2024, is in pre-planning (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment phase), coordinated by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs. It aims to cover the entire 143,000 km² EEZ but is not yet implemented.

  • IMCAM: Includes frameworks like LMMAs (e.g., Kuruwitu, 24 by 2015), Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) policies, and community co-management (e.g., Pate Conservancy). These integrate ecological and human use but are often localized or overlap with MSP goals.

  • SDG 14.2.1: Tracks ecosystem-based management; Kenya’s MPA coverage (857 km², 0.6% of EEZ) and emerging MSP are primary contributors, but other plans may not be fully reported.

Other Spatial Management Plans

Below are spatial management plans in Kenya’s marine and coastal context that are distinct from MSP and IMCAM, focusing on specific fisheries, conservation areas, or sectoral management:

  1. Prawn Fishery Management Plan (2010):

    • Scope: Targets prawn fisheries in the Malindi-Ungwana Bay (2,000 km²), a key coastal fishery zone.

    • Spatial Elements: Designates fishing zones, closed seasons (e.g., November-March), and gear restrictions to manage prawn stocks spatially and temporally.

    • Authority: Kenya Fisheries Service (KFS) under the Fisheries Management and Development Act (2016).

    • Distinction: Pre-dates MSP and operates as a species-specific plan, not integrated into broader IMCAM or the national MSP framework. Ecosystem-based elements (e.g., habitat protection) exist but are narrowly focused.

    • Habitat Patches: Protects prawn nursery grounds (mangroves, estuaries) via zoning.

  2. Management Plan for Small and Medium-Sized Pelagic Fish (2013):

    • Scope: Covers pelagic fisheries (e.g., sardines, mackerel) along the 640 km coastline, especially in nearshore waters.

    • Spatial Elements: Defines fishing areas, allowable catch limits, and seasonal closures to sustain stocks, using Beach Management Units (BMUs) for enforcement.

    • Authority: KFS and BMUs.

    • Distinction: Sectoral and fisheries-focused, not part of MSP’s multi-use approach or IMCAM’s holistic integration. It spatially manages fish habitats but lacks broader ecosystem linkage.

    • Habitat Patches: Targets open water and nearshore zones critical for pelagic species.

  3. Shimoni-Vanga Joint Fisheries Co-Management Area Plan (2017):

    • Scope: Covers ~150 km² in Kwale County, a co-management area between Shimoni and Vanga communities.

    • Spatial Elements: Zones for fishing, no-take areas, and mangrove conservation, developed with community input and WWF-Kenya support.

    • Authority: BMUs, KFS, and community governance, under the 2016 Fisheries Act.

    • Distinction: While co-management aligns with IMCAM principles, this plan predates and operates outside the national MSP and broader ICZM frameworks, focusing on local fisheries rather than integrated coastal management.

    • Habitat Patches: Includes coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, with no-take zones protecting spawning grounds.

  4. Malindi-Ungwana Bay Joint Conservation Area Plan (2017):

    • Scope: Spans ~2,000 km², overlapping prawn fishery zones but emphasizing conservation alongside sustainable use.

    • Spatial Elements: Designates conservation zones, fishing areas, and buffer zones to reduce user conflicts and protect habitats.

    • Authority: KFS, KWS, and local stakeholders.

    • Distinction: Not formally under MSP (still in development) or IMCAM’s integrated scope; it’s a standalone joint plan blending conservation and fisheries management.

    • Habitat Patches: Encompasses coral reefs, mangroves, and muddy bottoms critical for prawns and other species.

  5. KenSea – Environmental Sensitivity Atlas for Coastal Areas:

    • Scope: Maps sensitive coastal habitats (coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass) along the entire 640 km coast.

    • Spatial Elements: Identifies priority areas for protection (e.g., oil spill response zones), guiding sectoral planning like shipping and tourism.

    • Authority: National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and partners.

    • Distinction: Not a management plan per se but a spatial tool informing other plans; distinct from MSP’s comprehensive zoning and IMCAM’s participatory focus.

    • Habitat Patches: All coastal ecosystems, with emphasis on vulnerability rather than active management.

Analysis

  • Count: At least 4-5 distinct plans (Prawn Fishery, Pelagic Fish, Shimoni-Vanga, Malindi-Ungwana, possibly KenSea) operate outside MSP and IMCAM frameworks.

  • Coverage: These plans collectively manage ~2,500-3,000 km² of coastal waters, far less than the EEZ but significant for nearshore habitats. They overlap with MPAs (e.g., Malindi, Watamu) and LMMAs but aren’t subsumed under them.

  • Ecosystem-Based Approach: All incorporate some ecosystem considerations (e.g., habitat protection, sustainable yields), qualifying for SDG 14.2.1, yet they’re sectoral or localized, not integrated like MSP/IMCAM.

  • Habitat Patches: Include coral reefs (Shimoni-Vanga, Malindi-Ungwana), mangroves (all plans), seagrass (Shimoni-Vanga), and open waters (Pelagic Fish), mirroring MPA habitats but with narrower scopes.

Why Not Captured in MSP/IMCAM?

  • Pre-Date MSP: Most were established (2010-2017) before the national MSP process began (2024), operating under older fisheries or conservation frameworks.

  • Sectoral Focus: Unlike MSP’s multi-use approach or IMCAM’s holistic integration, these target specific resources (e.g., prawns, pelagics) or areas (e.g., Shimoni-Vanga).

  • Reporting Gaps: SDG 14.2.1 may prioritize MPAs (857 km²) and emerging MSP, overlooking these smaller, legacy plans in official metrics.

Conclusion

Kenya employs several “other” spatial management plans—such as the Prawn Fishery Management Plan (2010), Pelagic Fish Management Plan (2013), Shimoni-Vanga Co-Management Plan (2017), Malindi-Ungwana Conservation Plan (2017), and potentially KenSea—covering ~2,500-3,000 km² of coastal waters and key habitat patches (coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, open waters). These are distinct from the national MSP (pre-planning stage) and IMCAM (e.g., LMMAs, ICZM), focusing on fisheries or localized conservation rather than integrated, ecosystem-wide management. As of March 02, 2025, 4-5 such plans exist, contributing to SDG 14.2.1 but not fully captured under MSP or IMCAM labels due to their standalone nature and historical context.