Kenya · Spearfishing zone
Mombasa Marine National Reserve
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Mombasa Marine National Reserve.
Kenya Wildlife Service Marine National Reserve (about 200 km2) forming the multiple-use buffer that surrounds the 10 km2 no-take Mombasa Marine National Park, along the Nyali-Bamburi-Shanzu coast north of Mombasa Island (gazetted 1986/1987 under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act). In KWS marine national reserves only traditional, non-destructive fishing gear and techniques are permitted; spear guns are not a permitted method and are a nationally prohibited fishing gear (Kenya Gazette Notice No. 7565 of 9 Nov 2001). Additionally the use of scuba gear or spearguns to take lobster and beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) in Kenyan territorial waters is prohibited (Fisheries (Prohibitions) Regulations 2003, L.N. 214/2003, reg. 2(c)). Spearfishing is therefore not a lawful method in this reserve. Distinct WDPA reserve polygon (UNEP-WCMC), separate from the no-take park core.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
4.0672°S, 39.7817°E
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Kenya
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to the licensing officer / Director of the Kenya Fisheries Service (formerly Department of Fisheries) for a sport fishing licence (Form DF/L2) or a recreational fishing permit under LN 127/2024.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · new.kenyalaw.org



