Tourism stakeholders have raised alarms over coral bleaching along Kenya’s North Coast, warning that it threatens marine biodiversity and affects tourism. The depletion of marine species has driven tourists to the South Coast, where they can still observe diverse marine life.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their symbiotic algae and photosynthetic pigments, often due to stressors such as temperature changes, light variations, or nutrient imbalances.
Tour operator Ishpal Oberoi, a former Coast chairperson of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, highlighted the impact of coral bleaching on marine biodiversity. He noted that the North Coast Marine Park, home to turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and sharks, is experiencing a decline in marine life due to bleaching.
“When tourists venture into the sea, they don’t see as much marine life, which affects their experience,” Oberoi said during the launch of the 2024 annual tourism sector performance and climate sustainability report.
While global warming plays a role in coral bleaching, Oberoi emphasized that human activities, such as chemical spills, also contribute to the problem. Rising sea levels from melting ice caps lower ocean salinity, making it difficult for corals to adapt. He urged for stricter regulations to prevent pollution.
Mombasa Tourism Council chairman Sam Ikwaye pointed out that development projects significantly impact coral health. Activities like sand harvesting, dredging, and dumping disrupt the marine ecosystem. The Kenya Ports Authority, which conducts dredging to expand the shipping channel and sand harvesting, has faced criticism from environmentalists and tourism players for its role in coral degradation.
