Report on the Development of Shimoni Fishing Port and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

The new Shimoni Fishing Port in Kenya, scheduled for completion in June 2025, represents a significant infrastructural development aimed at boosting the local fishing industry. However, this project raises critical concerns regarding its impact on the artisanal fishing community, local livelihoods, and marine ecosystems. This report emphasizes the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to the project and its socio-economic and environmental implications.

Project Overview

• The Shimoni Fishing Port project is valued at 2.6 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $20 million).
• It includes large-scale infrastructure such as warehouse-size buildings, a new jetty, and an access road.
• The port will accommodate large commercial fishing vessels, including purse seiners measuring up to 110 meters in length.

Impact on Artisanal Fishers and Local Economy

The artisanal fishing community in Shimoni currently relies on small boats and traditional fishing methods such as basket traps, handlines, longlines, and diving. The introduction of large commercial vessels is expected to disrupt these practices and the local seafood market.

1. Concerns of Local Fishers:
   • Potential destruction of fish breeding sites and increased water turbidity affecting fishing efficiency.
   • Disruption of local seafood markets by large commercial vessels.
2. Government Promises and Current Status:
   • In 2023, President William Ruto pledged to provide local fishers with deep-sea fishing boats to adapt to changes.
   • More than a year later, only 59 boats of similar size to existing vessels have been delivered by the Kwale County government.
   • Fishers report these boats are inadequate for deep-sea fishing and express concerns about operational costs and maintenance.
3. Training and Capacity Building:
   • Fishers emphasize the need for comprehensive training and mechanical support to operate deep-sea vessels effectively.
   • Previous government initiatives have trained 600 youth in maritime careers, indicating potential for skill development.

Community Perspectives and Social Implications

• Local fishers remain hopeful for fulfillment of government promises but face uncertainty due to lack of clear communication.
• Women, particularly those involved in seaweed farming, fear exclusion from benefits and loss of livelihood due to port expansion and shipping routes.
• Some community members suggest financial compensation as an alternative to new boats, to enable relocation and alternative livelihoods.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Shimoni Fishing Port project intersects with several SDGs, which are critical for achieving sustainable and inclusive development:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Ensuring that local fishers maintain their livelihoods through access to appropriate fishing resources and markets.
   • Addressing concerns about affordability and sustainability of new fishing technologies.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Supporting sustainable fishing practices to maintain local food security.
   • Protecting fish breeding sites and marine biodiversity to ensure long-term fish stock availability.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Involving women in planning and benefit-sharing, particularly those dependent on seaweed farming and near-shore fisheries.
   • Addressing the socio-economic impacts on women due to changes in fishing practices and port operations.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Creating job opportunities through port operations while safeguarding artisanal fishers’ economic interests.
   • Providing training and capacity building to enhance skills for deep-sea fishing and maritime careers.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Minimizing environmental impacts such as habitat destruction and water turbidity from dredging and increased shipping.
   • Promoting sustainable fisheries management in collaboration with local communities and government bodies.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between national and county governments, international organizations like the World Bank, and local communities.
   • Ensuring transparent communication and inclusive decision-making processes.

Recommendations

• Accelerate delivery of suitable deep-sea fishing vessels and ensure they meet the operational needs of local fishers.
• Implement comprehensive training programs and provide ongoing mechanical and financial support to fishers.
• Engage women and marginalized groups in planning and benefit-sharing to promote gender equality.
• Conduct thorough environmental monitoring to mitigate negative impacts on marine ecosystems.
• Enhance communication and transparency between government entities and local communities to build trust and cooperation.
• Consider alternative livelihood support and fair compensation for those adversely affected by the port development.

Conclusion

The Shimoni Fishing Port project holds potential for economic growth and improved fishing capacity but poses significant challenges to the artisanal fishing community and marine environment. Aligning the project with the Sustainable Development Goals is essential to ensure that development is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and beneficial to all stakeholders involved.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article discusses the livelihoods of artisanal fishers in Shimoni, Kenya, who fear losing their traditional fishing grounds and income due to the new port and large commercial vessels.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The fishing community depends on fish as a source of food and income; disruption to fishing activities threatens food security.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights concerns about employment and economic opportunities for local fishers and related trades.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Concerns about sustainable management of fisheries and the environmental impact of dredging and large vessels.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on marine ecosystem impacts, fish breeding sites, and sustainable fisheries management.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Mentions collaboration between local government, national government, World Bank, and community groups.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions by ensuring social protection and sustainable livelihoods.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including fishers.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training (related to youth training in maritime careers).
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from sustainable use of marine resources.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators Related to SDG 1 and 2
   • Number of fishers with access to adequate fishing vessels and equipment (implied by the delivery and suitability of boats for deep-sea fishing).
   • Income levels or economic status of artisanal fishers before and after port operation.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 8
   • Number of youth trained in maritime careers (e.g., the 600 youth trained in 2022).
   • Employment rates in fishing and related sectors in the Shimoni area.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 12 and 14
   • Changes in fish stock and biodiversity in nearshore waters (implied by concerns about dredging and large vessels disrupting breeding sites).
   • Extent of sustainable fisheries management practices implemented by Beach Management Units (BMUs).
   • Water turbidity levels and their impact on fishing methods.
4. Indicators Related to SDG 17
   • Number and effectiveness of partnerships between government, World Bank, and local communities in fisheries development projects.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com