THE CURRENT STATUS OF MANGROVES ALONG THE KENYAN COAST - A CASE-STUDY OF MIDA CREEK MANGROVES BASED ON REMOTE-SENSING

Mangroves form a unique ecosystem of limited extent covering an area of about 53 000 ha along the Kenyan coast which need protection from overexploitation. Background information on the areal extent and status of these mangroves is limited and makes their protection and management difficult. A model study has been carried out on the Mida Creek mangroves based on a double sampling approach starting with SPOT multispectral satellite imagery followed by ground checks to provide information on species composition, density and distribution of mangroves. The utilization of mangroves and uses around and within the mangroves were determined. During this study, seven mangrove species were identified in Mida Creek, namely: Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum and Lumnitzera racemosa. This report briefly outlines the present utilisation of mangrove species. It is recommended that a multidisciplinary management plan be developed in order to conserve and manage the mangroves of Kenya on a sustainable yield basis.