Amina guides fisherwomen challenging norms, building futures, and aiding marine restoration.
In the Indian Ocean’s shallow depths near the remote Pate Island in the Lamu archipelago of Kenya, Amina Ahmed orchestrates a chorus of women in jubilation. Their song marks the discovery of their target’s hiding place, discerned by small bubbles revealing the presence of an octopus nestled amidst rocks and coral.
With two slender, sharpened steel tools, Ahmed delicately uncovers the small opening, revealing a tentacle. Within minutes, she secures her prize—a 1kg Octopus cyanea, a species native to the Indo-Pacific region, off eastern Africa and the Red Sea. This catch, valued at approximately 400 Kenyan shillings (£2), will be traded at the local market.
Referred to as “Mama Pweza” (Mama octopus), Ahmed leads a group of women from the nearby Shanga-Ishakani village who have ventured into the waters as a means of enhancing their families’ livelihoods.
Essentially, they have been safeguarding sections of the ocean, preventing over-exploitation and coral deterioration by implementing a four-month closure of an octopus fishery—a vital source of sustenance and revenue.
These women have challenged the prevailing local norm that confines fishing to men, with women traditionally tasked with childcare at home. Ahmed reflects on their journey, stating, “We encountered societal ridicule initially. However, the men now acknowledge our altered lifestyles due to the economic advantages of octopus fishing.
Unlawful and harmful fishing techniques, which have excessively exploited reefs near the shore and harmed nesting areas, have contributed to a decrease in fish populations, adversely affecting the local community. Residing within the Pate Marine Community Conservancy, these women are striving to prohibit access to their fishing sites for those employing unsustainable methods.
“We collaborate with men to revive deteriorated coral, aiming to enhance the productivity of our fishing sites. A thriving coral ecosystem means increased fish yields for everyone,” states Ahmed.
The Pate conservancy is a constituent of the locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), an overarching organization overseeing various conservation initiatives in Kenya.
Currently, there are nine LMMAs encompassing 746 hectares (1,840 acres), with 484 hectares designated as closed zones. Among these, 262 hectares are octopus closures—areas reserved by the community for octopus breeding, periodically closed and opened for fishing—benefiting over 160 fishers.
As per Hassan Yusuf, NRT director for the region, implementing temporary octopus closures, also known as no-take zones, around Pate and Kiunga conservation areas, coupled with fishing-gear restrictions, has resulted in a substantial rise in stocks and the rejuvenation of marine life.
“Illegal fishing and the use of improper nets can easily wreak havoc on the delicate marine ecosystem,” notes Yusuf. “Octopuses have a brief lifespan, ranging from 18 to 24 months. This narrow window allows the women to harvest them swiftly and generate income,” he explains.
In Pate, the group conducted trials with two fishing closures aimed at enhancing octopus catches. Following the initial four-month closure from January to April 2019, the women harvested 186kg (410lb) of relatively small octopuses within five days. The subsequent opening, spanning from May to September 2019, resulted in a harvest of 868kg of octopuses over five days, with each individual averaging 6.5kg per day.
With every octopus sold, the women’s association sets aside 30 shillings, accumulating enough funds to construct a nursery school. Additionally, they have acquired two fishing boats to reach fishing grounds located further offshore.
“We currently have a male captain, but our aspiration is to have some of our women take command of the boats,” expresses Ahmed.
“Having a female captain will undoubtedly be a surprise for men accustomed to being in control during these fishing journeys,” she adds with a laugh.
